The Golf Blog interview – U.S. gold medalist Jeremy Wariner, Part 1
(photo NBC Olympics/USOC)
Jeremy Wariner is the world’s fastest man in the 400 meter. He won Olympic gold in 2004 in that event (watch the video below), as well as in the 4×400 meter relay. Jeremy is known on the track for not only being fast, but also for his signature sunglasses. He’s also a golfer, and The Golf Blog was fortunate to have the chance to interview Jeremy as his prepares for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Here’s Part 1 of the interview. [NOTE: We ran this interview earlier in the summer, but we’re running it again in anticipation of Jeremy’s run tomorrow in the 400 meter final.]
The Golf Blog: Jeremy, thanks for chatting with us. It’s an honor to interview an Olympic gold medalist. So let me start with the obvious: You are no doubt incredibly fit as an Olympic gold medal athlete. What’s your typical workout routine each day and do you know your percent body fat?
Jeremy Wariner: Unfortunately, I don’t know my percent body fat. As for my typical workout routine, each day is different of course, so I will give you a typical Monday for me. I wake up around 9:15 am, get ready for weights, head to the weight room by 10 am for weights. My weight workout usually takes about 30 minutes.
After weights, I go to my coach’s office and relax for about an hour. Then I head over to the track for workout at 11:30 am. It takes me about 15 minutes to warm-up and another 15 minutes to stretch. After all that, it’s time to do my 200s, as the season goes on we cut back on the number of 200s we do. After workout, I sometimes go into the training room and take an ice bath to help keep my legs fresh for the next day. As for the rest of the day, I just relax and watch TV, walk my dog, or just hang out with my friends.
The Golf Blog: You already have two gold medals, one in the 400 m and one in the 4×400 m relay. This summer, what are your goals for the 2008 games in China?
Jeremy Wariner: My goals for the 2008 Olympics are, first, win the gold in the 400 meters. Then, after that, when I cross the line in first, I’m hoping to see the WR next to my time for the World Record.
The Golf Blog: How much do you want to break Michael Johnson’s world record of 43.18 in the 400 m? Since he’s a friend, will he be happy or upset to see his record fall?
Jeremy Wariner: For the past few years I have been wanting to break the 400 WR. Each time I step on the track no matter what track meet I’m at, I’m going for the record. He [Michael] has told me plenty of times that he won’t be mad when I break his records, because records are made to be broken.
The Golf Blog: Do you wear your signature sun glasses on the golf course as you do on the track like David Duval used to? Why do wear sunglasses all the time on the track?
Jeremy Wariner: Yes, on the course, I wear my glasses most of the time. The reason why I wear my sunglasses is because they help me stay focused and block out the crowd.
The Golf Blog: You also look pretty cool, I have to say.
[Stay tuned for Part 2 of The Golf Blog interview with Jeremy Wariner.]
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