Urban Thought Collective

Hello UTC,

I thought I’d jot down answers to the three questions I get asked the most as an Olympic gold medalist. I get one or all of these at these once a day. Here it goes…

WHAT’S UP WITH STEROIDS IN SPORTS?
My sport has been plagued with a lot of drug scandals lately. People using steroids, or performance enhancing drugs, have grabbed the spotlight. But you know, I don’t think about it much at all. When it comes to reaching my goals, I don’t deal with the outside world. If I get caught up, or worry about being suspected, then I cannot perform at my full potential during competition. That cannot happen.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU HAVE VISITED?
Through track and field, I have been beyond blessed to travel to many places across the world. It is an honor. Of course, we’re usually there to practice, compete and then get back home. But, one of my fondest memories was visiting Capetown, South Africa. Going to “the Motherland” was definitely a bright spot for this small town guy. The people, the places and the food there was simply amazing. It was definitely an eye opening experience.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE?
I’m often asked what advice I have for young people, not only with regard to my sport, but life in general. I believe that no matter what you are doing, if you make perfection a practice, you will go far. Whatever you want to achieve, make working at it second nature. Be concise, smart, do research and make sure every move is positive. Develop good habits and make professionalism and a positive attitude a lifestyle. That makes life, and everything else, much easier. Above all, stay focused. You’ll thank yourself for it in the end.

Next time, I’ll share my experiences during the final qualifying Olympic trials!

ICON sprinter Shawn Crawford ascended to the top of the track and field when he won the Gold medal in the 200 meters in the 2004 Olympics. Presently number six in the world, Crawford looks forward to winning the Gold once again in the 2008 Olympics. He is currently training with legendary Track and Field coach Bob Kersee. His periodic dispatches from the field will appear exclusively on UTC.