Aug. 18, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - Former Flyin' Frog
Virgil Hodge once again 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 200 at National Stadium. She clocked a time of 11.45 in quarterfinal action of the women's 100 meters in Beijing, but just missed making the semifinals.
What did it feel like to compete at the 2008 Olympics?
"To compete at the Olympics is a great honor. I kind of looked at it as a regular race so I wouldn't get too nervous. It helped a little bit, but at the same time I told myself it's the Olympics and I need to run no matter what. It felt great and I'm just glad that I was able to compete at these Olympics."
You made it into the quarterfinals, how do you think you ran yesterday?
"Well, overall I think I ran okay. I was looking forward to at least making the semifinals in the 100m, but the 200 is my main focus and that's what I am going to focus on now that the 100 is over for me. I am going to try and make the finals in the 200m."
Were you able to watch Usain Bolt in the finals, if so what did you think of his time?
"No, I went back to the Olympic Village to get in the ice tub so I could get my body ready for my race on Tuesday. I just watched it live on television. Wow, his time was amazing and I think if he had run through the line he would have definitely run 9.5 seconds."
Now you get ready for the 200, what do you expect now?
"I expect to go out and use everything Coach Anderson has taught me, while executing my race. If I can put everything together that I have learned in practice, no doubt I'll be in the finals of the 200m. I am ready to run and that's exactly what I'm going to do on Tuesday and Wednesday."
