Richards holds the national high school
record in the 400 meters (Prettysporty.com) |
1. You were the most dominant female high school athlete last year, with five national championships, US#1 ranking in four events, and new US records in three events (outdoor 400, indoor 200, and indoor 400). What kind of expectations do you have for yourself this year in a Texas uniform?
First and foremost, I am grateful to Coach Kearney and the University of Texas for giving me the opportunity to get a first class education and to be a part of a great track and field tradition here. I want to be the best I can to help make the program as good as it was a few years ago.
2. Born in Jamaica, you were recently granted U.S. citizenship and represented the United States at the World Junior Track Championships over the summer. Are you looking forward to the World Outdoor Championships this summer and the Olympic Games in 2004?
With great anticipation, I know it's ambitious but I hope to make Team U.S.A.
3. To maximize your point potential for the indoor season, do you plan to attempt the 200/400 double or step down to the 60 and 200 along with the 4x400 meter relay?
Coach Kearney is going to make those decisions and she's not quite sure where she'll use me.
4. How has your training been so far at Texas heading into the 2003 seasons?
Training has been going really well. I was healthy throughout pre-season training and I'm looking forward to the upcoming seasons.
5. Texas head coach Bev Kearney underwent an additional surgery last month to further correct her spinal re-alignment, after injuries suffered in the December 26th auto accident in Jacksonville which injured three and claimed two lives. How has she been doing along with the rest of the team, friends and family?
Coach Kearney is rapidly recovering and my teammates and I are very happy for that. We are very focused on doing well for her and our academic counselor, Ilrey Sparks, that passed. She has received tremendous support worldwide and has really great friends and an exceptional family by her side.
Richards hopes to represent the U.S. this summer at the
World Championships (Dyestat.com) |
6. The Longhorns will be returning a core group of long sprinters including Alyssa Aiken, Raasin McIntosh, Keasha Downer and Moushaumi Robinson. With yourself in the mix as well, how important is it to have such a number of talented athletes around you?
It is very important to have such great athletes around me. We push each other to be the best we can be and their experience is invaluable.
7. How has the adjustment to college life been for you so far heading into your second semester?
"I think I can finally say that I am completely adjusted to the "college life." It took me a while to get into the swing of things, but I'm really starting to enjoy it here.
8. Do you enjoy competing indoors or do you look at it as a preparation for the outdoor season?
I look forward to competition regardless of whether it's indoor or outdoor season.
9. Of all the accolades you received and records you have broken during your high school career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
That's a difficult choice for me. The Gatorade Athlete of the Year makes me proud as that award was a recognition of my academic and athletic ability, along with the USA Junior Athlete of the Year. But the national record in the 400 meters outdoor made me most proud.
10. What are some of your favorite movies and music that you listen too?
Two of my favorite movies are Final Destination 2 and John Q. I enjoy listening to R&B, reggae and rap music.
11. What has been the most difficult part about being a sprinter so far during your young career?
The difficult part about the sprints is training your brain to know when to use the short or long sprint techniques. It really keeps me thinking.