University of Tennessee Athletics
Trackshark.com interview with Annie Alexander
May 22, 2008 | Women's Track
Interviews : Annie Alexander of Tennessee
by Tom Borish, Trackshark.com
Your winning discus mark of 187-06 at the SEC Championships was the third-longest in conference history and set a new Trinidad & Tobago national record. How has your development been into the event as just a freshman at Tennessee?
Being a freshman at Tennessee has been amazing for me as an athlete and also as a student. My development at Tennessee has been hard but very productive. By that, I mean training, weights and trying to adjust to the level of competition to which I am now exposed has been difficult for me at times.
The discus title came a day after winning the shot put on your final attempt which swept the event indoors and outdoors. Where do you see yourself on the national collegiate scale in terms of performing with the best in both events? Is there anything that you'd like to improve on as we head into the NCAA Regional Championship meet?
As a collegiate athlete, I really cannot place myself on a scale because at every competition I go out on the field to do nothing but my best with the individual goals I set. I am heading to the regional meet next week, and I want to ensure that I eliminate the mistakes I made at the SEC Championships.
You've represented your country many times during international competition. How has that experience helped you during your performance at the NCAA level this season as a freshman?
By representing my country internationally, it has helped me a lot coming into NCAA level of competition. When I compete at the NCAA level, I always see it as an international meet. We are all collegiate athletes, but on the field I see each one of us with world class abilities.
Former Florida and SEC athlete Candice Scott also hails from your country and excelled at the collegiate level in your events. How much do you look up to her and do you converse at all for help and inspiration?
Candice Scott is a great athlete. I respect her, and she inspires me. We converse via e-mail but just to stay in touch with each other.
Throws coach John Frazier has certainly molded you into a peak performer at the right meets. How do you prepare for big meets such as the conference, NCAA Regional and NCAA Championship events so you are ready to compete at the highest level?
In preparing for the ???big meets,??? basically, we try to eliminate any errors in technique and work on what is necessary.
I've never personally been able to watch you throw yet this season. Can you describe your technique in the ring for each event and how that pertains to getting the maximum effort out of each throw?
My technique has certainly changed, but really I psych myself up yet maintain relaxation to ensure that I get the best from the one minute I have to utilize the ring.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, what are your plans for competition after the NCAA Championships? Will you continue to train and reside in Knoxville this summer?
After the NCAA meet, I will be going to my homeland (Trinidad & Tobago) for our national championships. Then I will travel to Venezuela to compete at the Central American and Caribbean meet, after which I will enroll in summer school here in Knoxville. My main goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games.
How has the first semester on campus at Tennessee been for you? Has the adjustment to the U.S. collegiate system been an easy transition?
My first year at Tennessee has been great. I have surely learned a lot. My transition to the U.S. collegiate system was not an easy task, but I want to thank all the great people I have around me, who keep encouraging me.
As we head into the tail end of the collegiate season, what are your priorities and goals with just over three weeks to go?
My priorities and goals are to complete my first season with memorable accomplishments.
Competing in the SEC usually brings out the best in everyone considering it's known as one of the deepest conferences in the country. How has the level of competition raised your standards and expectations in your events?
The coaching and the level of competition in the SEC have really raised my expectations in both the shot and discus. My coach and this conference have made me into a better athlete.
