G'Auna Edwards National Champion! Heptathlon Interview


G'Auna Edwards was the USATF Region 12 15-16 Heptathlon champion, winning by a large margin. She was in a tough battle in Jacksonville. She was trailing Sterling Lester after the 1st day, but made up the deficient in dominating fashion in the LJ & JT. Lester didn't give up and was flying in the 800m, but Edwards held on to win by 19 points!

Big thanks to G'Auna for taking time to chat from Jacksonville!

- How does it feel to be a National Champion!?

G'Auna: "It feels good. This is my 4th year winning the multi. I got beat my second year of 13-14 and I came back and beat her this year, so I'm proud."

- You were trailing after the first day, what did you do to make sure you were focused and ready to comeback strong on Day 2?

G'Auna: "My dad just told me what I had to do in LJ and Javelin because we knew those were her weakest events. Then I watched videos on javelin the night before."

- She's a strong 800m runner, so the points were going to be close. How long did it take to find out the official point results?

G'Auna: "I had faith in God and thought I did my best. As soon as we walked to the tent they had the results and the official gave me a look that made me think and have more faith that I won."

- How was the team support from Track Houston?

G'Auna: "They weren't there yet, but I had messages coming to my phone before I ran telling me good luck. Two of the coaches were there supporting me."

- You scored 4,200 at Region 12 and nearly broke 4,700 at JO's! How do you feel about the performances as a whole?

G'Auna: "I'm just thanking God really. It's all him and my talent. I'm happy with the hurdles and the javelin. I need to work on the 800m most."

- Lastly, you've still got a bunch of events to compete in at JOs. Does becoming a National Champion give you a lot of confidence that you can keep performing well in your individual events and help the team on the relays?

G'Auna: "Yes it does."