Lee is a strong favorite for the sprint
titles this season (LSU sports info) |
1. You opened up with an impressive time in the 200 meters at the SEC West Challenge at Arkansas. How has your training been heading into the indoor season?
So far, my attitude towards training has been a little more aggressive. Compared to the past, I'm well aware of what I need to do and what my body needs to be like in order to perform well. Coach Shaver does a very good job of preparing us for competitions.
2. After claiming the 200 meter indoor title last season, do you feel any pressure for repeating that performance?
There will always be pressure coming from all angles, but I try not to let it get to me. Pressure brings doubt and doubt is what others want you to think, so I try to take it and turn it into a positive. I'm just hoping to do my best and try to better myself rather than beating someone or breaking a record.
3. You came close to breaking the collegiate indoor record in the 200 meters last season as well. What will it take for yourself or anyone else to break 22.79?
Confidence is what you really need. 22.79...that's fast! I didn't realize how hard it was to repeat a 22.33 outdoor until the wind hit me. But really, you have to be mentally ready and focused.
4. What have you worked on the most to improve on in the shorter sprint races?
I've been working hard in every area, not just in short sprints. To be a top performer I need muscle. Coach Shaver gets on me about lifting weights. Last year, it went in one ear and out the other, but this year I have a different attitude about winning and losing. So I work on everything.
5. You were a two-sport athlete in high school, earning four letters in track and three letters in basketball. What did you enjoy the most out of your high school career?
It surely wasn't sports! I would always leave basketball or track practice to go to marching band practice. It has always been fun for me to write, play and perform music while trying to dance to it. We played and danced in the Gateway Classic halftime show in St. Louis one year and it was the most exciting thing I have ever done. It wasn't all about competition. It was just fun and there was no stress involved and that's what I liked about it.
6. During the NCAA Outdoor Championships last year, you got a chance to meet Marion Jones for an interview. What kind of advice did she give you heading into the meet?
All I can remember was walking and trying to be brave enough to even talk. I was so nervous that everything I really heard came out like ... blah, blah, blah ... and I think she noticed it and talked to Angela more. I was just ready to get it over with. As far as advice, I don't remember.
Lee nearly broke the collegiate record
in the 200 meters indoors last year (LSU sports info) |
7. LSU will be one of the favorites for the 4x100 meter title during the outdoor season. Although it looks easy to take and pass the baton, how difficult is it to get your steps down along with getting the stick around clean?
It's not hard at all to get the steps down. I've been getting the stick for so long now that it's very easy, but I've never handed off before. The relay is cool like always. Last year we only had three sprinters on the relay and we still ran fast and broke records. You say one of the best? We have an extra sprinter now who I know will bring some heat. I'm just hoping we can continue to improve on what we've already accomplished.
8. Do you see anyone ever breaking the world record of 10.49 seconds in the 100 meters within the next couple of years?
10.49 stands alone, I think she was a little special when she ran that, but that's just my opinion. I don't see anyone touching that record for a while unless they're superwomen. If they do, more power to them. I'll be right there applauding and thinking if I should try. When I break 11 seconds I'll think about it more.
9. What is the atmosphere like to be a student-athlete on the campus of LSU?
At LSU, the athletes are treated like normal students or should I say 'track and field' athletes are treated like normal students. A lot of people really don't pay attention to track and field because we have a winning history and there are so many of us. They expect it every year I guess. Other sports are trying to make a name for themselves. But the campus is really nice. We have very nice facilities and we are treated with care.
10. Based on your experience so far in the collegiate ranks, where do you enjoy the most to compete?
Penn Relays is the best. The crowd is always exciting to hear and it is always fun running and watching the relays.
11. As one of the strong favorites for the team title this season, how have you and your teammates approached everything?
Our team always try to do their best no matter the circumstances. If everyone just goes out and does what they've been practicing, we shouldn't have any worries. We shouldn't have to do anything extra or try to overdue things to win.
12. What are some of the most important things to you in life?
Being able to live a life like what I'm living now is a gift and I thank God for that. I see every talent that I have as a treasure. Also, my mother is very important to me too because she has always supported me in everything. And everything was a lot of activities, because I always wanted to be good at something before I quit. So I'm very thankful she just didn't make me stop. There's a lot of other things that are important to me but this is an interview, not a autobiography! So other than the other two I'm just happy to be able to go to school and begin my dreams in fashion.