Johnson owns the fastest time ever for an American freshman (Texas Tech sports photo) |
1. You were the first Texas Tech male to earn four All-American honors as a freshman in the 800 meters and 4x400 meter relay during 2002. What did you come away with as the best learning experience as a freshman last year?
I learned that in order to be successful on and off the track. You must first start with hard work and continuously put every effort into what you are doing. I know that I can be a leader to my peers and the younger kids. This has made me carry my talent in a self-manner way. Now I believe that I am a step closer to what I want in life.
2. Your time of 1:45.81 in the finals of the 800 meters was the fastest time ever at the NCAA Outdoor Championships for an American freshman. What kind of goals do you have for yourself this season?
Running the fastest time by an American freshman was a great accomplishment, but that is the past and I feel that what I do from here on, will speak for itself. I personally want to come back during outdoor season and run a 1:45 low or better and make a run at the national title. I do believe that I am capabable of competing with the best.
3. How difficult is it to manage competing in both the 600 yards and 800 meters at the Big 12 Indoor Championships?
Last year competing in the 600-yard run and 800 meters was tough. This year I am more physically and mentally prepared. So we will just see what happens.
4. At what point during your career did you decide to focus more on training for the 800 meters as opposed to the shorter sprints and longer distance events?
I started really focusing on the 800 meters after my sophomore year in high school. I probably could have ran some good times in the 400 meters, maybe even the mile run, but just the toughness of the race and the gut check has made me learn to love this race and not fear it.
Johnson is also a part of the All-American 4x400 meter relay (Texas Tech sports photo) |
5. With a strong young group of 4x400 meter relay legs, including Albert Booker, Ivory McCann and Jason Lovell, how important is it to push each other in practice to bring out the best in each other?
I always believe that in order to have a good relay team you must first learn how to compete within each other. I feel the harder my teammates push me, and the harder I push my teammates, the more prepared each one of us will be when running with some of the top teams in the country.
6. Wes Kittley and the rest of the coaching staff have worked hard in trying to bring Texas Tech among the elite in the Big 12. How is the team atmosphere and how has the staff help to bring everyone together?
Coach Kittley and the other coaches are great. I believe in order for a team to have success it starts with the coaches. You have to have coaches who understand the concept of winning and patience. I know for a fact that we have a coaching staff with a background of success. One reason why I came to Texas Tech is because I am surrounded by athletes and coaches who want to succeed on and off the track.
7. Who are some of the people you look up to and what have they thought you about yourself and others?
I look up to my mother, because she has been through a lot of hard times and she could have simply given up, but she did not and that is why she has been successful. She has taught me and put in my mind that even when times are bad and is at its lowest point, never give up because goals are within reach and I have a lot of goals.
8. Texas is considered one of the best states to produce high school track & field athletes. Growing up in Abilene, Texas, how tough was the competition for you in your events?
Growing up in Abilene, I never knew about track clubs and I never really ran anywhere. Maybe every once in a while the boys and girls club would go to a meet out of town. Other than that, I really did not run in a lot of meets until my high school years. Competition was good most of the time, but after my sophomore year it was hard to find a good all out race until the regional meets and state meets.
9. Have you given any thoughts about the upcoming World Outdoor Championships and Olympic Games in 2004?
If the Olympic Games and World Outdoor Championships, consisted of running indoor I probably would not consider it. However, I feel real confident about the outdoor season and I feel that I can compete with the best on any level. So yes, I have considered World Outdoor Championships and Olympic Games in 2004. I wouldn't be disappointed if I did not compete well, because I have faith that if I don't make it this time, there will be other opportunities.
10. How is the city and atmosphere of Lubbock along with the campus of Texas Tech?
Living in Lubbock is a lot like home and the atmosphere is great. The school is nice and there are a lot of people on campus who are willing to help you if you are willing to be successful. I am real close to my family so anytime I feel a need to go home it is only 2.5 hours away so that is a plus.