Despite being in the midst of a very competitive Diamond League season (currently 2nd place behind Asafa Powell & ahead of Usain Bolt), Richard took some time to answer 21 Questions for Cover Ground. He’s finally here! The Olympic silver medalist in both the 100m & 4x100m, World Championship silver medalist, 4-Time NCAA Champion, 8-Time All-American…and I could keep going on his many accomplishments. I’ve had the pleasure of racing him & meeting him, (the meeting was better lol), and we’ve become friends.
I chose Richard because… he is point blank a great sprinter! I love his style of running, he’s a hard worker, humble, and just a nice guy to everyone! I hope you guys enjoy his answers…and again I thank Richard for taking the time for CG.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1) How old were you when you realized you were really good at sprinting?
I ran races against kids in elementary school in the school yard and would beat kids older than me. Thats when I realized I had some speed. I was about 8 years old. I ended up using a lot of that speed on the soccer field because I was really big into soccer.
2) What’s the story behind the nickname “Torpedo”?
The name “Torpedo” was given to me by a reporter named Kwame Laurence for the “Trinidad Express” newspaper. After I ran my first sub 10 (9.93) at the SEC Champs in ’08 he gave me that name. The name caught on and everyone else in the country started calling me that as well.
3) What is the MOST important aspect of your training & why?
(speed, sleep, nutrition, weights etc.)
I wouldn’t say that there’s a single thing that I can attribute to an athlete’s success. Its a combination of things. For me, the combination would include hard work, smart work, discipline, rest, treatment and belief in God and yourself. I included “smart” work because a lot of people believe that the key to doing well is by doing more. However, sometimes more means less and it leads to counter productivity. An athlete has to know his body and what works best for him. Rest is very important in my training because it allows me to recover well.
4) Describe your moment in this picture?
Lol…still to this date the greatest moment in my life. I raised my hand in celebration because to me it was almost like victory. On paper, no one should have beaten Bolt or Asafa so basically the Bronze was up for grabs. A silver medal exceeded a lot of people’s expectations so it was a huge accomplishment for me.
5) What are your goals for this off year in track?
My goal is to get stronger as well as be more consistent at sub-10. Its an off year so I can do things a bit differently to build strength. I started doing 4x4s this year and I have a few 200s in my schedule. If I run faster this year I will continue to incorporate it into my upcoming years.
6) The 100m is a very competitive event, leading up to the 2012 Olympics in London, what will you have to do to medal again?
To medal again I have to continue to put in the necessary work and not get complacent after 08′s medal. Bolt obviously at his best seems unbeatable but the truth is sprinting is very funny and anything can happen on any given day. Its about getting it done on that day at that moment, so I’m training with Gold in mind. U just never know what can happen, as the saying goes, shoot for the moon and even if u miss you’ll land among the stars so a medal is definitely within sight.
7) What advice can you give any upcoming athletes heading into the NCAA system?
The NCAA system is a lot tougher than a lot of people think. Its very competitive. U have to be prepared to be a lot more disciplined athlete than in High School because coaches expect you to perform every time u step out onto the track. To the High School phenoms who get away without training and beating everyone, it doesn’t work like that in College. Everyone on the line at a Championship meet is fast. U also have to get accustomed to striking that balance between training and school because if ur grades aren’t up to par then u don’t compete.
8 ) What’s one thing people have no clue about being a professional track athlete?
U get to travel to a lot of beautiful places and experience different cultures and things that you probably never would have if u weren’t a pro.
9) 3 important characteristics to make it as a pro athlete
Mental strength, knowing ur body and what u have to do to peak at the right time and being patient (sometimes u become frustrated when ur being beaten and not running the times u want). Also faith in God and yourself.
THE POP CULTURE GRID
10) Secret TV Obsession
I love sports so most times my TV is on ESPN. Sports Center, PTI etc.
11) In my spare time I ___________?
…relax, listen to music and Facebook.
12) Tonight I’m having ________ for dinner
Not sure as yet but I do feel for fried shrimp right now.
13) Song no one knows I listen to?
Pop, right now I really like Airplanes from B.O.B featuring Hayley Williams and Billionaire by Travie McCoy
14) I think I’m addicted to…
15) Most overrated TV show?
Jerry Springer. Its all planned and it’s the same thing over and over.
16) ________ would have me at hello
Beyonce… she can have me anytime she wants lol
17) I should win an Oscar for…
…my impersonation of a Jamaican or Bahamian, I do their accents very good.
18) What’s on your wall right now?
A picture of me winning the NCAA Champs indoor and outdoor in 08…a photographer for LSU took the pics, blew it up, framed it and gave it to me. He also put all of my accomplishments for that year on it, its pretty cool.
19) I always _____ before I go to bed
Blackberry Messenger. (I would like to say that I say my prayers every night before I go to bed but a lot of times I forget or fall asleep.)
20) I need to get a new….
iPhone. (I have a blackberry and the Iphone 3Gs but the new Iphone 4 is looking pretty dope so I may have to get my hands on that to replace my 3Gs.)
21) Song playing on my ipod right now….
“Miss Me – Drake feat Lil Wayne”
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Thank you Richard again for taking the time to answer some questions. We both wish you continued success and happiness in your future endeavors in life and on the track!
Follow him on Twitter: @Torpedo989
Like him on Facebook: The Richard “Torpedo” Thompson Fan Club
(original image from spikesmag)
(original image by Tyler Kaufman)
