July 11, 2004

July 11, 2004

With the third day of the US Olympic Team Trials for Track and Field set to begin in a few hours, USC sat down with school record holding 22-time All-American Demetria Washington – now running professionally – for a few minutes to talk about her plans in the 400m, winning USC’s first NCAA title and what she might expect from former teammate Lashinda Demus tonight.

USC: When did you graduate from USC and what did you get your degree in?

DW: I graduate in May of 2003 and I have a degree in Exercise Science. I would like to go to graduate when I finish running professionally. I would like something in exercise science. But I have always had an interest in modeling as well.

USC: You are running the 400m tomorrow – what can you tell us about that race?

DW: It starts tomorrow. We have three races including the finals. There is a lot of rest before each round – but I have no idea why. I like it that way because then we can recover and then get ready and be fresh the next day.

USC: There are a number of up and coming runners from college this year. What does that add to the trials?

DW: I expect them to do really well. Last year they didn’t run well here but they had just finished NCAAs the week before. This year they’ve had off almost a month since the NCAA meet. They will be ready to run. There are a lot of good people with Sanya Richards, Dee Dee Trotter and Monique Henderson leading the way. They are impressive.

USC: Last year you won a gold medal with the USA’s 4x400m relay at the World Championships in Paris. You ran with former USC teammate Lisa Barber. Can you talk a bit about that experience.

DW: It was wonderful. We weren’t expected to win. Everyone thought Russia would win, but we pulled it off and that was a good thing. It’s great to say I am world champion. It was also fun to run with Lisa. She use to always hand me the stick in college and she did the same on this relay so that was fun. It was like re-living college again and I was so glad I was able to share that experience with her!

USC: What’s the best part of being a professional runner?

DW: That’s a good question. I guess I’ve never thought about that before. You got me on that one!

USC: What’s the worst part?

DW: One of the things that isn’t bad but it’s the way it is. When I was in college I would run four races each weekend – the 200m, the 400m, the 4×1 and the 4×4 relays. So we were in much better race shape. Now you kind of have to train through your races because you won’t get as many races. In college you sprinted a lot more so you have to get use to it.

USC: What is the best place you traveled as a professional?

DW: I guess Paris last year for the World Championships. My dad came for Worlds and we went shopping, went sightseeing and just hung out.

USC: What’s the best memory from college?

DW: When we won the national title outdoors in 2002. We were considered up there with LSU and Texas and other teams but I don’t think anyone expected us to win. Plus it was the school’s first NCAA title.

USC: What do you expect from Lashinda tonight?

DW: Lashinda is one of my closest friends. We talk a lot At the shake-out this morning I asked her if she was ready. I was real nervous for her yesterday and I am sure I will be today. I just told her to get out there and run her race. I told her if she wins I have a surprise for her.

USC: Care to share the surprise?

DW: No!

USC: What would you like to say to Gamecock fans?

DW: Please give us all your support, stick behind us and pray for us. Go Cocks!