Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with Texas sprint star and relay miracle worker Courtney Okolo from Carrollton Smith HS. Courtney created quite a stir at the TX state championships with an epic come-from-behind victory in the 4x400m relay, making up close to 40 meters over the final 100 with a split of 52.89. She also won the 400 meter dash and 200m dash. Check out more about her below!
MileSplit - TX state record in the 400, a fast 200m win and a legendary kick to give your team the 4x400 victory! An amazing state meet for you, describe your initial feelings about your weekend?
Courtney - I feel really blessed! It was like a dream come true!! Before the meet I would day dream of 3 gold medals, a state record and a 4x4 victory!! And it happened only by God's Grace! It was unbelievable!
MileSplit - What event or moment from the weekend stands out the most from the others?
Courtney - Of course the 4x4!! we started off little shaky in the beginning of the year, and coming in Lancaster was the favorite, so to win and defend our title with a P.R it was amazing!! and it always feels better to win a a team compared to individual events.
MileSplit - What was the reaction from your team like after you won the 4x400? Was that one of the best moments of your track career?
Courtney - I couldnt believe we won after i crossed the line! we were all hugging and jumping around, the moment was priceless! that was the best moment of my whole track career!
MileSplit - When & how did you get started in track & field?
Courtney - I always raced with my cousins when i was little and in elementary school a recess, so i middle school i ran the 100m, then moved to the 400m in highschool.
MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in track & field and why?
Courtney - My parents, they always stress to me how important school is so it keeps me balanced, Coach B, my summer track coach he supports us so much! and motivates me a ton! but also the trainer at my school, when i got injured last year, he not only physically got me back before state but also mentally, each year right before my 400 at state he gives me a pep talk and each year i won! So he knows what to say to get me going!!
MileSplit - Your favorite track & field event(s)?
Courtney - The 400m, its sort of love/hate feeling but i couldnt imagine not running it.
MileSplit - Your track & field event coach(es) and what they mean to you?
Courtney - My school coaches mean a lot because everyday they work us out hard and are dedicated to making us better! Coach B my summer coach is amazing, he goes to all the school meets and is really dedicated to making us successful.
MileSplit - Keys to your successful track & field training program?
Courtney - We focus a lot on the workouts that help the last 200m of a 400m race, so thats help me a bunch in the 400m and also the 200m.
MileSplit - Your favorite track & field meet?
Courtney - This years state meet is my favorite of course! there is nothing like winning the 4x4 with your best friends!!
MileSplit - Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
Courtney - I love competing against the top in the nation because it makes me run faster and i usually end up with a P.R.
MileSplit - Goals for 2012 national level track & field meets?
Courtney - If I end up running in National Meets this summer my goal is a P.R. in the 400m and 200m.
MileSplit - Long-term goals in track & field?
Courtney - I just want to make it to the top like every other tracklete, so thats what i work toward everyday at practice.
The Fun Run
Do you like rock or pop…
Courtney - Neither, old school R&B.
Do you like shorts or jeans…
Courtney - Jeans.
Do you like Words with Friends or Angry Birds…
Courtney - Angry birds.
Do you like Facebook or Instagram...
Courtney - Instagram.
Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Courtney - Chillen at home.
Do you like sun or snow...
Courtney - Hate snow!!!!
Video of Courtney's 4x400 race
Video interview with Courtney after the TX state meet
