All in on athletics: One-on-one with Andre De Grasse, Faith Kipyegon

The Olympics.com podcast, hosted by Nick McCarvel, previews the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, focusing on key athletes and stories. The episode features interviews with legends like Jackie Joyner-Kersee and current stars such as Andre de Grasse and Sha'Carri Richardson, discussing their preparations and motivations. Andre de Grasse reflects on his Tokyo 2020 gold and his mindset for Paris, while Sha'Carri Richardson shares her growth and aspirations. The podcast also highlights the excitement around women's athletics, the challenges and triumphs of athletes like Faith Kipyegon, and the inclusive initiatives for LGBTQ+ athletes at the Games.

• The podcast opens with excitement about the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to begin with a historic opening ceremony on the Seine River on July 26.
• Host Nick McCarvel reflects on the anticipation athletes feel as they prepare for the games, emphasizing the emotional and psychological buildup.

"Imagine working your whole life towards something, then spending a thousand days obsessing over its arrival. And then that feeling you have when that moment you've long prepared for has indeed finally arrived."

• This quote highlights the dedication and anticipation athletes experience leading up to the Olympics.

• The podcast discusses the prominence of women's track and field, featuring insights from Jackie Joyner Kersey, a legendary athlete.
• Emphasis is placed on the evolution and excitement surrounding women's sprints, particularly the performances of Sha'Carri Richardson and the dominant Jamaican athletes.

"It is a very special time in women's track and really to see how, you know, most of them have evolved the excitement of the women's sprints, knowing what Sha'keri Richardson, you know, really being the world champion and then coming back to see what she's going to do, you know, for Paris, going up against the Jamaicans, because they've been very dominant."

• Jackie Joyner Kersey highlights the competitive nature and anticipation surrounding women's sprints and the potential for outstanding performances.

• The episode features several prominent athletes, including Andre de Grasse, Sha'Carri Richardson, Faith Kip Yeagenae, and insights from Otto Bolden.
• The focus is on their preparations, experiences, and what to expect from them in Paris.

"Our featured interview today is with Canada's Andre de Grasse, a veteran sprinter who at Tokyo 2020 realized a lifelong dream when he captured the men's 200 meters gold."

• This quote sets the stage for the interview with Andre de Grasse, emphasizing his achievement and significance in the world of athletics.

• Shawn McAllister, a producer with the Olympics.com team, discusses his recent conversation with Andre de Grasse.
• Highlights include de Grasse's journey from aspiring basketball player to Olympic champion, his resilience through injuries, and his strong mindset.

"He wasn't ever planning to be a track athlete. He wanted to be a basketball player. So going from that to becoming Olympic 200 meters champion is quite incredible, really."

• This quote underscores the unexpected and remarkable nature of Andre de Grasse's career trajectory.

• Andre de Grasse's ability to perform under pressure and his mental resilience are highlighted as key factors in his success.
• His mantra, "speak it into existence," reflects his positive mindset and determination.

"This is someone who I just think of as, like, a big game player. You know, every time there's one of these huge finals, Andre de Grasse just seems to turn out. You can't count him out, but I think part of that is obviously his talent, but a lot of that is his mindset."

• This quote emphasizes de Grasse's consistent performance in major competitions and the importance of mental strength in his achievements.

• The podcast wraps up by reiterating the excitement for the upcoming Paris Olympics and the anticipation of seeing top athletes perform.
• Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for more insights and interviews as the games approach.

"We're just three weeks away from seeing some 10,000 athletes descend on the city of light for the globe's most glorious sporting festival."

• This quote encapsulates the grandeur and global significance of the Olympic Games, building anticipation for the event.

• Emphasizes the importance of verbalizing goals to make them more tangible and achievable.
• Reflects on the need to revisit and use past successful strategies during challenging times.
• Compares goal achievement to baseball, emphasizing the necessity of incremental steps rather than expecting immediate success.

"I call it sight is another acronym, but speaking into existence, I always have to remind myself of that. And sometimes I forget to even do that because when I'm going through a rough time, I forget to actually do that."

• The speaker highlights the practice of speaking goals into existence, noting its importance especially during tough times.

"I said, now I have to go back to some of the tools that I've used in previous years or in the beginning. I'm like, I used to do this, you know, why am I not doing this anymore?"

• Reflects on the necessity to return to effective strategies from the past when current methods aren't working.

"You can't just, you know, hit a home run all the time, right? Like, sometimes you, sometimes you might, you might get lucky, you know, you get those home runs, you know, and you're like, wow, I did it. But not all the time. You know, life doesn't work like that. You gotta take steps, you know, baby steps."

• Compares achieving goals to playing baseball, emphasizing the importance of taking incremental steps rather than expecting constant major successes.

"You have to know to believe in yourself and your team and your support system and say, yes, you know, you can accomplish these goals."

• Stresses the importance of self-belief and having a supportive team to achieve goals.

• De Grasse's unexpected win in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics was a historic moment for Canadian athletics.
• The win broke a century-long drought for Canadian men in the sprints since Donovan Bailey in 1996.
• De Grasse's ability to perform under pressure and on the big stage is highlighted as a key trait.

"They hadn't won a gold medal in the sprints since Donovan Bailey back in 1996. So this really was a historic moment, not just for Andre de Grasse, but for Canada in general."

• Highlights the historical significance of De Grasse's win for Canadian athletics.

"Degrasse is not expected to win, but somehow he pulls it out and he crosses that line first. And I think that it just speaks so much to him as an athlete again that he's able to just come into a race like that where he's not expected to win, and then he goes and clinches the gold medal."

• Emphasizes De Grasse's ability to win against expectations, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.

• De Grasse shares his personal feelings and the surreal experience of winning Olympic gold.
• Reflects on the pressure to win and the validation it brought to his career.
• Describes the unique experience of winning in an empty stadium and the delayed realization of his achievement.

"It was an amazing feeling, to be honest. It was surreal. I couldn't believe that I actually had done it just because I've been chasing her for so long."

• De Grasse expresses the surreal and unbelievable feeling of achieving his long-term goal.

"I felt like I was coming up short a bit and I was still happy that I'd won silver medals and bronze medals, but I knew in order to cement myself in the history books that I had to get a gold."

• Highlights the importance of winning gold to solidify his legacy in athletics.

"It didn't hit me because I had to keep going. I had to add the four by 100 the next day, I tell people. So it didn't even really. I didn't even really process that I had won the gold medal."

• Describes the delayed realization of his achievement due to the ongoing competition schedule.

• De Grasse's love for the big stage and ability to perform consistently at the highest level is a key part of his success.
• Highlights the difference between posting fast times and consistently performing well in major competitions.
• Anticipates De Grasse's performance in future events, confident in his ability to shine under pressure.

"There are plenty of fast sprinters who, throughout the season post these incredible times, but it's the consistency to be able to do at the highest level. I think that's what makes Andre de Grasse so special."

• Emphasizes De Grasse's consistency and ability to perform at the highest level as key factors in his success.

"I just love the thrill. I love the th"

• Suggests De Grasse's passion for the excitement and challenge of major competitions.

• Andre de Grasse discusses the excitement and thrill of competing in front of large crowds.
• He compares the feeling of competing in track and field to playing basketball in high-stakes games.
• De Grasse emphasizes the importance of preparation, confidence, and representation in his performance.

"I just get excited. I get pumped up. I mean, when there's 50,000, 60,000 people watching you, it's like, I get nervous, but it's like, good nerves."

• De Grasse feels a positive kind of nervousness that fuels his excitement and performance.

"I think of the big moments in track and field as the playoffs, you know, and, you know, it's a game seven, and, you know, I'm trying to be Michael Jordan, hit the game winner, right?"

• He likens major track and field events to crucial basketball games, aiming to perform at his best in critical moments.

"When I put on that bib as well, and I put on that uniform, and I'm not just representing myself. I'm representing my country, my family, my friends."

• The act of wearing his uniform and representing others motivates De Grasse to perform well.

"If I'm prepared and if I'm ready, like, and I've had a good set of training, I'm healthy. I've talked to my coach where you say, hey, you're looking good. The confidence is there."

• Preparation and confidence from training and coaching are key factors in his readiness to compete.

• Noah Lyles is highlighted as a unique and talented sprinter with a compelling story.
• Lyles overcame severe asthma as a child and is now aiming for multiple gold medals.
• His personality and style set him apart in the track and field world.
• Otto Bolden discusses Lyles' potential to break world records, particularly in the 200 meters.

"Here's a kid who could barely go outside and play because of how bad his asthma was when he was young. He has a mother who has sort of doted on him his entire life."

• Lyles' journey from a sickly child to a top athlete is inspirational and central to his story.

"Noah is pretty unlike any other sprinter we've seen in the sport in a long time. And he's also got a fascinating, fascinating backstory."

• Lyles' distinct personality and background make him a standout figure in sprinting.

"Now he's aiming for four gold medals in Paris. And I just feel like that is the kind of story that the Olympics are based on."

• Lyles' ambition to win multiple gold medals embodies the Olympic spirit of overcoming challenges.

"Nobody's consistently close, and nobody's really close. Certainly in the hundred. Now, Noah has the ability, I think, to maybe scare it in the 200."

• Bolden believes Lyles has the potential to challenge the 200-meter world record, though the 100-meter record seems secure for now.

• Sha'Carri Richardson has emerged as one of the top sprinters in the world.
• She has matured and gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of her talents and responsibilities.
• Richardson's recent performances have solidified her status as a leading athlete.

"In the past few years, I've grown just understanding, a better understanding of myself, a deeper respect and appreciation for my gift that I have in the sport."

• Richardson acknowledges her personal growth and increased appreciation for her athletic abilities.

"As well as my responsibility to the people that believe and support me."

• She recognizes her responsibility to her supporters and the impact of their belief in her.

"She won the world title in the 100 meters last August in Budapest, actually in lane nine, and she was dominant here in Eugene, clocking at 1071, the fastest time in the world this year."

• Richardson's recent achievements highlight her dominance and potential in sprinting.

• Elaine Thompson-Herah will not compete in the Paris Olympics due to an injury.
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, another prominent Jamaican sprinter, will compete in her final Olympics.
• The legacy and influence of past Jamaican sprinters, such as Florence Griffith Joyner (Flojo), continue to inspire current athletes.

"We won't see two-time and reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah in the 100. In Paris, we actually won't see the Jamaican at all. She incurred an injury in early June that has forced her out of the games."

• Thompson-Herah's absence due to injury is a significant loss for the Jamaican team.

"Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who at 36 has said this is going to be her last Olympics, her fifth."

• Fraser-Pryce's final Olympic appearance marks the end of an illustrious career.

"Jackie's sister-in-law is the late, great Florence Griffith Joyner Flojo, who was known not only for her speed but also her iconic fashion and style."

• The legacy of Flojo continues to influence and inspire current sprinters, including those from Jamaica.

"Sha'Carri takes it to"

• The comparison between Sha'Carri Richardson and Flojo highlights the ongoing impact of past legends on today's athletes.

• Recognition of athletes who are unapologetic about their identity and style.
• Impact of athletes' personal flair on the perception of sports.
• The evolution of acceptance in sports fashion and style, especially for women.

"I love how she's unapologetic for anything. And, you know, you know exactly where she's coming from. You know who you're dealing with."

• Admiration for athletes who are clear and confident in their identity.

"It's just great to see, to bring, bring that flair, but then also to see these young women transcend our sport from the standpoint of people appreciating your talents, but then also seeing you being marketable in beauty campaigns, you know, different things, which is fashion campaigns, which is just pretty incredible."

• The positive impact of athletes' unique styles on their marketability and influence in areas beyond sports, such as fashion and beauty campaigns.

• Discussion on potential outcomes for the 100 meters race in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
• Confidence in reigning champions and their ability to defend their titles.

"I'm gonna have to go with. I have to go with hot world champion. You know, it's my hope, Shakira Richard, if she's there, I'm not gonna bet against her because she is the reigning world champion and to someone take her down. Until then, I would not. I'm not gonna bet against her."

• Faith in Shakira Richard's ability to defend her title as the reigning world champion.

• Highlighting various thrilling narratives in the world of athletics.
• Notable athletes and their anticipated performances in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

"We're gonna see Swedish pole vaulter Armand Mondo de Plantis, who's gonna try to defend his Olympic title in Paris as the world record holder."

• Anticipation for Armand Mondo de Plantis defending his title as the world record holder in pole vaulting.

"It's gonna be a showdown between the reigning Olympic champ, Norway's Jakob Ingebritson, taking on Great Britain's Josh Kerr, who just beat him in May at the Prefontaine classic."

• Excitement for the showdown in the men's 1500 meters between Jakob Ingebritson and Josh Kerr.

"No one literally has done it like Kenya's Faith Kip Yeagen the last decade with the two-time and reigning Olympic champion, also the world record holder, becoming the first woman to break the 350 barrier last year when she clocked a 349 eleven."

• Recognition of Faith Kip Yeagen's remarkable achievements and her return to compete in the Paris Olympics.

• Athletes' motivation to inspire the younger generation.
• The rigorous training and dedication required to excel in athletics.

"The love of sports and the love of wanting to inspire the young generation and young girls around the world that, you know, you can also take athletics as a profession."

• Faith Kip Yeagen's desire to inspire young girls to pursue athletics professionally.

"Going out there and running early in the morning and going to camp, staying there from Monday to Saturday."

• The commitment and hard work involved in an athlete's training regimen.

• The unique challenges and perspectives brought by motherhood for female athletes.
• Comparison of public perception of male and female athletes concerning parenthood.

"Women, we are strong. And women, when you disappear a little bit, like one year or two, they know that you. Maybe I've gone through maternity leave and coming back."

• Recognition of the strength of female athletes and the societal expectations surrounding maternity leave.

"It has really changed a lot. I think it's changed me mentally to know that if you have a person who looked up to you and you have a person who you have to get something for her future, for her school fees, it's really changed you."

• The impact of motherhood on an athlete's mental perspective and motivation.

• The significance of winning a gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
• Athletes' aspirations to leave a lasting legacy in their sport.

"I think the dream of every athlete is to go to Paris and just win that gold medal, to be on the podium and bring back the gold medal home."

• The universal dream among athletes to win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

"I think the legacy I want to leave, especially over the 1500. I've been talking about legacy for many years. And I think, and I hope going towards the Paris Olympic it will be my first legacy to leave in 1500."

• Faith Kip Yeagen's aspiration to leave a lasting legacy in the 1500 meters.

• Celebration of Pride Month and the inclusivity initiatives for the Paris Olympics.
• Highlighting stories of LGBTQ+ athletes and their achievements.

"Paris organizers have announced the Paris Pride House for the games, a safe, identifiable and welcoming space for everyone that includes LGBTI plus supporters, athletes and allies."

• The establishment of Paris Pride House as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals during the games.

"Nico Young, a 21-year-old distance runner, qualified for Team USA in the 10,000 meters, and he becomes the first out gay man on the US track team for a games ever. A first. We're celebrating."

• Celebration of Nico Young's historic achievement as the first openly gay man on the US track team.