TJ talks with 2015 World Silver Medalist and two-time USA 400 meter hurdles champion Shamier Little. They discuss why she chose to run one of the most painful events in track and field, the ups and downs of her professional career and look ahead to her Olympic quest for Tokyo.
TJ asks Shamier why she decided to be a 400 meter hurdler (1:50) and how she got started in that event (2:26). She explains what the last 100 meters of that race is like (3:52), what her strategy is going into her races (4:47) and what is going through her mind on the home stretch of a race (5:44). Shamier talks about when she realized she could be successful in track and field (6:12) and what it was that brought her to the sport at a young age (7:00). TJ asks if she ever thought of leaving track for another sport (7:52) and about her initial hesitation of running track for her high school (9:04). They talk about why Shamier decided to leave college early (10:46) and what has led to some of the struggles she has had a professional runner (12:22). TJ asks about what kind of changes she needs to make to make the Olympic team for Tokyo (13:28), what kind of confidence she has now being a veteran (14:04) and what added pressure she may feel going into the Olympic Trials (15:08). Shamier shares how her training has been effected by COVID (15:52), how she found out the season was cancelled (16:35) and how she has been able to stay in shape in quarantine (17:52). TJ asks Shamier what kind of changes she has seen in herself as her career has progressed (20:26) and what kind of advice she would give to younger athletes (21:48). She talks about what the relationship is like with her fellow competitors on and off the track (23:27). Shamier discusses what she has gotten to do and see while traveling to meets all around the world (26:23), how traveling has expanded her taste in various foods (28:17) and what she does in her downtime (29:03). TJ and Shamier talk about why the US is so good at hurdling (30:47) and the story behind her trademark bow (31:51). Lastly, after having so much success at the old Hayward Field, Shamier tells what her expectations of the new Hayward Field are (35:17).