(*Updated 7/8/16 to be in compliance with Rule 40 by the USOC. Read more here).
Kate Grace! You just won the Women's 800m Olympic Trials and are heading to the Rodeo! How are you feeling?
Balls, I’m going to [the Rodeo]! Balls to the wall! But really, during that last part of the race I knew this was the time to leave it all out there. We had a plan to get on the rail, because I kept getting in trouble with people moving lanes in that last 400. So I told myself, “stick to the inside lane and don’t run any further than you have to.” And then when that started happening I couldn’t stop thinking, “I’m glad I stuck to this plan. And just f***ing keep my arms moving!”
Once you got out, you started kicking and you knew you had it. What was going through your mind?
I’m going to the Olympics! But really what I was thinking was that I visualized this an hour ago and now it’s actually happening. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. I thought just go for the line… and not celebrate until you cross that finish. Just get to the line!
Can you possibly express that feeling you had in those last 5 or 10 meters when you knew you won the 800m Olympic Trials?
I am in shock. I think in my mind before the race, picturing that moment, I was crying – but I wasn’t crying at the end! I was just shocked. The tears came when I was doing my victory lap and I saw all of these amazing people here for me. I am just so full of gratitude.
What does this victory mean to you?
As I’ve been saying, it’s been a long road. There are so many people here that I love to death and that have been there for me for so many years. I just can’t wait to go celebrate and be together with everyone – it’s a group effort. All of these people have supported me like no other. My heart is over flowing right now.
We love you Kate! And are so incredibly proud. Time to keep the good vibes rolling. Let's #flywithkate!
You Might Also Like:
Update: The Big Event in Eugene (Rule 40)
New Olympian Kate Grace is Going to the Rodeo!
Totally Trials: Day 2 and 3
Totally Trials: 20K Race Walk and Day 1
Track and Field Trials Schedule + 14 Oiselle Qualifiers
