Demus holds the world junior record in
the 400 meter hurdles (Dyestat.com) |
1. After an outstanding freshman season in 2002 which included winning the 400 meter hurdles, third in the open 400 meters and part of the collegiate-record 4x400 meter relay which helped South Carolina to win their first ever NCAA Outdoor Championship title, what are your goals for this season?
This season I can't really ask for anything else but to lower my time faster than I ran this season. It's hard because people expect so much out of one person an for me not to repeat or better what I did this year I'm scared to see the reaction of the commentators and spectators.
2. It must have been grueling to compete in so many 400 meter races over the NCAA Championship weekend--not to mention over hurdles. How did you prepare yourself to peak at the right time?
This time I think it had more to do with the coaching and weight lifting we had going on. Coach Frye did well with getting us prepared at the right time.
3. One of the great honors your team had over the summer was meeting President George W. Bush at The White House. How overwhelmed were you and the rest of your teammates during that visit?
It didn't really hit me until I was actually inside of the White House waiting for the Presidents arrival to take the picture with us. Then when he came in I just thought how lucky and blessed our whole team was to be in that position. It's was an experience.
4. Although it's not spoken of much, how critical are the relay passes during the 4x400 meter relay?
Actually I really don't think that hard about the 4x4 relay passes. I think when you've been running for so long it gets easier and easier. You can kind of judge how fast your teammate is coming and take it from there. If you have experience then it's much easier.
5. You also broke your own World Junior record time in the 400 meter hurdles with 54.70 at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica over the summer. What kind of technical improvements did you make during the course of the outdoor season to help drop your times?
I started to run more comfortable. I learned if you relax and don't make a big fuss out of the race then you will do just fine. This year training I really focused on making sure I get over the first hurdle, holding my form for as long as possible, and staying relaxed.
6. Having a great number of teammates around you that can also compete and train at such a high level must help you in return. What specifically have they done to help you along the way?
Our training squad is of big help, people often run away because of the fact that we are so deep. I thought that was a good thing coming in, one of the reasons why I chose to come here. By training with such competition your times can't help but to improve. When I first came and I seen the kind of times all the girls were running automatically I thought if coach Frye can get them to that level then that's where I need to be.
7. As stated in a previous interview with your teammate Tiffany Ross, she had great things to say about your head coach Curtis Frye. How has he and along with the other coaches helped you to be where you are today?
Coach Frye is a great coach no doubt and he proves that through all of his accomplished athletes today. He really focuses on a lot of technique running and always wants all of his athletes to do good not just those who are doing well at the time. With our other coaching staff they come in and help when coach Frye doesn't see everything happening with all the athletes, so if coach Frye isn't there our other coaches are there.
8. What do you generally do in practice during the fall when preparing for the indoor season coming up?
We do a lot of running reps of workouts, a lot of drills to strengthen ourselves and a lot of weight lifting.
9. How much have you thought about the World Championships this summer and the Olympic Games in 2004?
I one that try not to get too happy about those type of things and let it happen when it happens. Of course I would like to attend both of these events but anything can happen where it's not given to you sometimes, so if I do make these teams ask me how I feel about that when the time comes.
10. How do you like to spend your time when you are away from the track and not thinking about practice or competition?
A lot of people would tell you I'm greedy because I love to eat, also I like to dance and chill with my friends here in South Carolina and back home in California.
11. When was the first time you realized that track & field was what you wanted to do?
When I was little I noticed that I was actually good and at a young age. I never stopped because I didn't want to take my talent and bury and my parents refuse to let me do that either. Now I just make the best of it.
12. Who are the heroes and role models in your life?
The hero in my life is my grandmothers, both of them are strong and loveable women who I hope to be like as an adult.