Kikaya was the NCAA Outdoor Champion for the 400 meters in 2002 (UTsports.com) |
1. You really lit up the outdoor season in 2002 while claiming the NCAA 400 meter title. It was a big 10 points for Tennessee as well although the Volunteers fell just short behind LSU for the team title. How strong do you expect Tennessee to be this season?
My team is stronger than before, as everybody knows by now that we lost Justin Gatlin. I had a good season last year and I am looking forward to 2003 because it's the World Championship year including my final one as a collegiate.
2. This will be your second and final year at Tennessee after spending the first two years at Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg, South Africa. How has your adjustment to the American culture and university been so far?
I love it here in Knoxville. At first I had a hard time adjusting because of the winter season. It was my first time seeing snow and running the indoor season. At Tennessee I found the southern hospitality was very welcoming from the day I arrived.
3. Do you find yourself to be a better 400 meter sprinter based on your speed or endurance and what do you work on most to attain that strength?
I would consider myself an endurance 400m sprinter. Since my arrival in the Unites States, my speed has improved greatly. Thanks to my sprint mates Leonard Scott, Justin Gatlin and Sean Lambert.
4. You also took third in the 400 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2002. What, if any, kind of strategy do you use when you compete in the 400 meters indoors?
I am very happy with my performance because it was my first indoor season. I prefer the outdoor race much better! There is no strategy I currently have indoors.
5. One of the most impressive marks from the Sea Ray Relays last year was the 4x400m relay which you anchored home the nation's fastest time in 3:02.14. Can we expect Tennessee to compete once again in the 4x4 with the recent losses of Justin Gatlin, Leonard Scott and Adrian Wheatley?
Yes most definately. Everybody competes to the best of their ability.
6. How much has head coach Bill Webb helped you to be where you are at today?
All the coaches and staff have been very helpful for me here. We have one of the best programs in the nation. My coach has been very supportive.
7. The SEC is hands down the toughest conference in collegiate track & field today. How long did it take you to realize just how good the conference is?
I was aware of the level of the competition in the SEC before I came, and I knew that it would be beneficial to join the conference.
8. What are some of your personal best times in the non-scoring events such as the 300 and 500 meters?
I have run 32.92 in the 300 meters and decent time in the 500 meters considering I ran the 800 meters in high school with a personal best of 1:53.
9. During the fall conditioning season in preparation for indoor competition, do you spend much time sprinting or generally doing mostly endurance workouts?
Both. You have to balance the work out. This is the first time that I am doing proper weight lifting. This makes it a more of a rounded program.
10. When you are off the track, how do you spend your free time and what are some of your favorite interests?
During my free time I read "Slaying the Dragon" by Michael Johnson which is an inspirational book for student athletes. I also like to spend time with my friends and relax.
11. Let everyone know what kind of times you expect to drop this season.
I will aim for low 44 or high 43 seconds this season because this is the very first time that I feel complete in my workouts. The strength training has made me stronger than I was before. My main goal is to make the final of the World Championships this summer in Paris, France. See you there!