2012 Track Chats - Jennifer Madu

 

MileSplit - What does it feel like to be a 4-time state champion? (Jennifer won the 100m in 11.53, the 200m in 24.03, the Long Jump in 19-8.75 and the Triple Jump in 42-4.25.)

Jennifer - I think its pretty amazing. I've been working really hard all year with my coach and I've had the best of support to guide me.

MileSplit - What event or moment from the weekend stands out the most from the others?

Jennifer - Aldrich Bailey's performance in the 4x400 relay. He just had alot of ground to make up after receiving the baton and being the great athlete that he is he definitely gave the other teams a run for their money.

MileSplit - Take us through a little of what your weekend was like and how you stayed focused on each event.

Jennifer - My weekend was crazy but I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.  I really just tried not to think too much about each event.  I figured that if I practice how I'm supposed to then in the meets it'll all come naturally.

MileSplit - When & how did you get started in track & field?

Jennifer - i started running track in seventh grade. It was kind of my secondary sport to basketball but after I understood my potential to excel in track, I soon after let go of basketball.

MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in track & field and why?

Jennifer - Coach Vaught & Cornelius Hines. They've really just pushed me to become a better athlete and individual all together & they've always made the effort to come support me at big meets.

MileSplit - Your favorite track & field event(s)?

Jennifer - To run: the 100, just because the winner is literally the fastest person on the track.

To jump: triple jump. I like all the technique that goes into it to really create the "perfect jump".

To watch: The 4x400. Its length just makes it really suspenseful and I just think its the absolute best way to end a meet.

MileSplit - Your track & field event coach(es) and what they mean to you?

Jennifer - Coach Lillie has really aided in my success this year. He is quick to let me know when something doesn't look the way its suppose to but is never hesitant to be the first to help me fix it. He is a teacher to me on and off the track

MileSplit - Keys to your successful track & field training program?

Jennifer - To think past the current times. practice is never the best part of my day but when I go in knowing that the work I do on the track today is going to make me better in the days to come, I know it'll be worth it. You train hard, win easy.

MileSplit - Your favorite track & field meet?

Jennifer - I love the Texas Relays.  The crowd is just always so hyped and involved in the meet and everything else that's going on.  I really enjoy seeing the professionals out there too.  Austin, Texas is just an awesome host.

MileSplit - Your favorite performance in track & field?

Jennifer - The 4x100 at the 2012 regional meet in Lubbock.  I was fourth leg and got the baton in fifth place but with just the intensity and the hype I was able to pull out a win for my team, we ran a PR too (:

MileSplit - Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?

Jennifer - Myasia Jacobs in sprints & Brianna Richardson in jumps.  I'm really good friends with the both of them but we don't actually get to compete against each other often so when we finally meet up, its all fun to see who brings it.

MileSplit - Your greatest experience in track & field so far?

Jennifer - Making the World Youth Team that got to travel to France.  It was just a brand new experience. France was a great host and it was really cool being able to see athletes from all over the world competing in the sport that I love.

MileSplit - Goals for 2012 national level track & field meets?

Jennifer - To make to 2012 World Junior Team that travels to Barcelona Spain this summer.

MileSplit - Long-term goals in track & field?

Jennifer - i would love to represent the United States in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

 

The Fun Run

Do you like rock or pop…

Jennifer - Pop, hip hop and r&b beat both tho.

Do you like shorts or jeans…

Jennifer - Shorts

Do you like Words with Friends or Angry Birds…

Jennifer - Words with Friends

Do you like Facebook or Instagram...

Jennifer - Twitter?

(Editor's note: Good point Jennifer!)

Do you like going out or chilling at home...

Jennifer - BOTH

Do you like sun or snow...

Jennifer - Sun with clouds tho!

 

Jennifer's MileSplit Athlete Profile...

 

Madu Winning the 100m TX 5A title in 11.53.

 

Madu Winning the 200m TX 5A title in 24.03