Pinnock is one of the favorites this year
in the 60 and 110 meter hurdles (Alex Moore) |
1. After placing third in the 110 meter hurdles and a very close second in the 60 meter hurdles at each of the 2002 NCAA Championships, you will be one of the favorites this season for the indoor and outdoor hurdle titles. What are your expectations for the 2003 season?
My expectations are to win the NCAA crown indoors and outdoors with very fast times.
2. You really had an outstanding 60 meter hurdle race during the finals of the 2002 NCAA Indoor Championships with a time of 7.60 considering your best mark before the race was 7.74. What did you work on the most heading into the Championships?.
Heading into the Championship, I wanted to get a lot of rest due to the strain in my back I had heading to the meet. I also focused on my own race.
3. This will be your final year at Texas A&M but only your second after attending Barton County Community College for your first two years of college. How was the adjustment for you during your first year at a major university and competing at the Division I level?
Adjusting to Texas A&M was what I expected and more. The life was great and my training was like nothing I have ever had. The competition was more challenging but it was what I had expected.
4. Perhaps one of the best rivalries this season will be between you and Jermaine Cooper of Texas considering you are both in the Big 12 conference. How much do you look forward to the competition against him and the rest of the top hurdlers in the country?
I have always looked forward to competing against the best and Jermaine happens to be one of them in the Big 12 as well. He helps to bring out the best in me.
5. As one of the most knowledgeable and respected coaches in the country, Abe Brown is your hurdles coach at Texas A&M. Along with Brown and head coach Ted Nelson, how much has the coaching staff helped you along the way to your recent success?
The coaching staff here has helped me improve physically and mentally ableing me to run faster and feel confident in doing so.
6. At this point in your career, what kind of times do you think you can run and compete at the international circuit?
At this time, I feel very confident I will run 7.5 seconds and maybe dip into 7.4 at nationals. Outdoors I'm looking forward to the 13.3 and 13.2 range at big meets.
7. How has your training and preparation been heading into the indoor season?
My training has been great so far. My coach is happy with what he sees so far and he taking it slow compared to last year when he had to break me into the new system.
8. Do you consider yourself a student of your event and what do you enjoy the most about the hurdles?
For now I consider myself a student at the hurdles and a soon to be a master. I enjoy the intense feeling of training and competing -- transforming all my work into one action.
9. How do you enjoy your time when you are away from the track?
When I'm away from track I like to watch television and spend time with my family.
10. What athlete or role model do you look up to?
My role models are my brother Roan Pinnock, my mother Hermina Pinnock and coaches Francis Baldwin, Roy Williams, Abe Brown and Ted Nelson.
11. Based on your experience, what kind of advice can you give other hurdlers out there who are trying to get better at the event?
My advice for the trying the hurdles is to find a good hurdle coach and train with intensity and consistency while staying flexible.