University of Tennessee Athletics
James Awaits Olympic Word
August 09, 2012 | Track & Field
Aug. 9, 2012
UT OLYMPICS PAGE l UT OLYMPIC MEDALISTS
LONDON -- Friday is a big day for Tennessee rising sophomore Jamol James. The 2012 NCAA All-American for the Vols will find out whether or not he'll be running on the 4x100-meter relay team for Trinidad & Tobago at the Olympic Games.
James, who hails from the city of Chaguanas, is one of six runners in the T&T relay pool, and team coaches will let the athletes know on Friday morning who will be running at Olympic Stadium at 2:45 p.m. Eastern time. Trinidad & Tobago is slated to compete in lane four in heat two of the first round. Live video can be found at NBCOlympics.com.
James took some time out of his schedule during his stay in the London Athlete Village to answer some questions about his Olympic experience thus far.
How exciting was it to run a 100-meter dash personal-record time (10.17) in your country's national championship meet?
"It was awesome! Tears were overflowing from my eyes to have finally done something big when it really mattered. A weight was lifted for me. Sometimes I wondered if my peak had been reached and if I would be just another athlete, but I got my answer with that race. Both my parents were present at the track with me, as well, so that made that moment even more touching with them to be there at my side supporting me."
When did you learn you'd been invited to be in the 4x100m relay pool?
"There was speculation in the air the same time the race ended, because officials were telling Coach Rohsaan (UT sprints coach Rohsaan Griffin) that I made it. We knew definitely it was the top six spots, providing that the Olympic qualifying time had been met by the athlete, but you can never tell with the selection process. So I chose to await the answer in writing (which I am still awaiting...haha). I eventually got the word from the team manager after the games but I still didn't fully accept/believe that I was on the team."
Is this something you dreamed about it or thought could happen after one year at UT?
"Yes, I believed it could happen. Even before coming to UT, despite what had been going on in my life, I kept setting my eyes at the bigger targets and would sometimes joke around about breaking the world records the next year, as I always set high expectations. On the contrary, though, I had no offseason (training) to add up to my great expectations and to ask that of myself, for which I did not have at the time, would be very inconsiderate. But I'm glad we (my teammates and coach) managed to pull it off!"
What did you do when you found out, and who did you tell first?
"I just smiled and another relief had been granted to me, and I first told my friend, Justin, who was at my house at the time."
When did you travel to London?
"July 12th."
Had you been to London before or traveled anywhere else for international competitions?
"No I hadn't been to London, but I am no stranger to international competitions. I've been to Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Italy, Canada, Dominican Republic and Mexico, just to name a few."
Were you able to participate in the Opening Ceremony and walk with the Trinidad & Tobago team?
"Yes, I did."
What was that experience like entering the stadium?
"The stadium is massive. I didn't even think that we were actually on the track because it was so highly decorated. The stands were roaring with 80,000-plus fans, but it seemed so empty because the lights blinded my eyes from noticing the numbers and also when we walked by not much of a welcoming for us. I even thought that the people were leaving because the ceremony was so long, only to find out when the lights came on that the fans were there, reserving their voices for the Great Britain team."
What was the coolest thing about the Opening Ceremony?
"It had to be walking on the outside, taking soooooooo many pictures and signing autographs. You feel like you are king for that moment with all eyes on you."
How is it living in the athlete village, and how have you adjusted to the time change, food, etc..?
"At first I was a little overwhelmed, but now I am handling it very well since I have been here for nearly a month. There is a very large new mall that is walking distance away. As for the food, man, oh man, would you believe there is a free McDonalds? You know where I'll be...haha...joke. But, seriously, the cafe tried to include many different foods from all over the world so people can feel right at home. For example there are Caribbean, Asian, British and African sections for food."
What does your typical day look like while preparing for the Olympics? "I sleep, wake up, sleep again, eat something and train. You do not want to change from what got you there in the first place."
How helpful has it been to have UT chiropractor Dr. Petty there to treat you?
"A life-saver. It's strange, because I met him today to do some adjustments. He undoubtedly has all my respect, and his age is complimented with experience. He knows what he is doing and always is a positive guy, enjoying life and helping athletes to their fullest potential."
Do you have any nerves about competing at the Olympics?
"Nah, although I do think it might change with a few roars from the crowd. Even then I plan on remaining calm."
What will you be thinking about if you walk into the stadium to run on the 4x1?
"First of all, I need to know if I will be running, as my name is in the relay pool and I will be called upon if needed. If that shall happen, I will say what I always say, `James in this place y'allll! Y'all better watch me!'"
Did Coach Griffin give you any advice? If so, what did he tell you?
"Yeah, he has been there (texting, on the phone) trying to make sure I maintain my focus all the way through until the Olympics are finally over."
