Olympic Q&A: Shawn Crawford

Olympic Trials 200m champion and 100-meter third-place finisher Shawn Crawford (26, Raleigh, N.C.) is on the island of Crete for Team USA training camp as he prepares to compete at the Olympic Games. The owner of the world's fastest times this year at both distances, Crawford will compete with his training partner, Justin Gatlin, in both sprint races in Athens. Crawford spoke to the media on Friday. For a full bio of Crawford and all Team USA track & field athletes, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2004/OlympicGames/roster_alpha.asp

Q: How are you feeling coming into the Olympics?

A: Coming into the Games, I'm definitely excited. This is my first time making the Olympic Team and being able to compete for the USA in an event such as this. I'm feeling very confident. I've had some great practices coming in. I'm looking forward to representing myself, my family, my friends and my country with dignity.

Q: What is the approach you and Justin Gatlin take to sprinting?

A: Justin and I, we're trying to conquer the sprint world. We practice hard. We remain poised through it all. We have to remain focused and make sure we come out and compete when we step on the track.

Q: What did you think of Trevor Graham before you started working with him in November 2003?

A: I thought he was the greatest sprint coach ever.

Q: What is his approach to training?

A: He's pretty tough - kind of a drill sergeant, but real calm. There have been a couple of times on the track when I've chucked up my breakfast working out.

Q: What are you working on in practice now?

A: We're working on technical stuff. We're going to be working on coming out of my blocks and my initial first step.

Q: What is the best thing Trevor has brought to your track career?

A: It's a consistent program, and it's been a long time since I've been part of a consistent program or worked out consistently. He's directed everything from the start line to the finish line, straight down the line, instead of me being all over the place. The other problem was my focus [prior to working with Graham].

Q: What got you to that next level of sprinting?

A: The potential and the ability have always been there. It was just a matter of being able to get out there consistently. Trevor gets you out there and asks for your feedback to make sure you get to where you need to be.

Q: Which event do you like better, the 100 or 200?

A: I like the 100 better. There's something about sprinting - everybody wants to be the fastest man in the world. Plus the training isn't as hard. You don't have to throw up as much in training.

Q: Does you hard training prepare you for competition?

A: That's what I tell people - [if] I train hard, I'm gonna kick your butt.

Q: What does mean for you to be in both events in Athens?

A: That's an honor for me to be able to compete in the Olympics for the United States of America in two stellar sprint events, because not many people are able to do that.

Q: Is your 100-meter loss at the Olympic Trials extra motivation for you now?

Q: I really don't think about that. When I finished third, that was the end of my undefeated season in the 100 meters. Now I'm must focusing on running a technically sound race when I step on the track, and to improve from round to round. I'm just looking forward, making sure I'm focused here.

Q: What do you think of Asafa Powell?

A: I think he's running strong. He's looking real good - no breakdown in his form. It's almost like a flawless race from start to finish. He's going to be a good competitor.

Q: How about Maurice Greene?

A: He's a tough cat. He's a vet at this event. He's run under 10 seconds more than anybody else in the world - you can count on him showing up.

Q: Have you gotten any advice from people who have been to the Olympics before?

A: I talked to [1996 Olympic 110m hurdles gold medalist and 2004 team captain] Allen Johnson two nights ago. I was asking him, what did it feel like when he won an Olympic gold? He said once he crossed the line, he crossed in to a different world. He's got me excited to go out there and win so I can move into that next world, too.