Aug. 15, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - Former Flyin' Frog
Virgil Hodge recently took time out of her Beijing schedule to talk with GoFrogs.com about the 2008 Olympics.
Hodge, a six-time All-American, will compete tomorrow in the women's 100 at National Stadium.
What have the past few days been like?
"The past few days in Beijing have been great. I am getting use to the pollution here and am feeling much better in terms of breathing. I am starting to get a little impatient because it seems like I have been here forever, but tomorrow I start competing in the 100m so I'm really excited about that."
Have you done anything other then train while being in Beijing?
"Yes, I have done some shopping while I have been here, but that was just one day. I am using the rest time to just relax and get ready to compete."
With Kim Collins advancing today, does that motivate you at all?
"Oh yes definitely, Kim is one of my role models and it gives me motivation to do the same tomorrow in my race."
How excited are you to compete tomorrow in the women's 100?
"I am really excited about tomorrow because it's my first Olympics and my first race. What else can I ask for, I am just going to go out and compete at my best."
What has your training been like while in Beijing?
"Training has been going great. I am just a little sad I can't have Coach Anderson here with me, but I am doing everything he told me to do and trying to remember all the things he taught me and put into my training. I normally train in the morning before it gets warm. It makes it easier to come back home and rest for the remainder of the day."
Finally, are you feeling any nerves or anything yet, knowing that your dream is about to come true tomorrow?
"Yes I am, not too much, but just a little. I think once tomorrow comes I'll be more nervous though. That is good though because when I get nervous I run fast. I will use it as an advantage."
2008 Olympic Photo's Courtesy of: McClatchy News Service
