byLarry EderDee Dee Trotter is the Olympic bronze medalist in the 400 meters and the gold medalist member of the 4 x 400 meter relay. DeeDee’s enthusiasm is infectious. She loves the sport, and loves talking to kids about. Robin Monsky, pr consultant for Saucony’s Run For Good, was able to get Dee Dee on the phone between speaking to a charter school and then, a local high school in Chicago. Thanks to Dee Dee Trotter for her time and Robin Monsky for getting us together.
RBR, # 1. Welcome to Chicago DeeDee, tell us about your visit? We heard you met with some young athletes today, junior high kids?
DeeDee Trotter: Oh no, much younger. It is a charter school, probably second to fifth grade. They were very excited. It is a great opportunity to share with them my Olympic journey. I tell them to never give up, and explain the http://www.sauconyrunforgood.comSaucony Run for Good program that Saucony supports. They key for them is to stay active, find a sport, or dance, that they like and will do. They need to stay active. In the fight against childhood obesity, we need to inspire the kids.
RBR, #2. How do the kids take your message?
DeeDee Trotter: Oh they like me, especially when I tell them that I love Sponge Bob, my secret love!
RBR, #3. What was your feeling coming out of the Trials?
DeeDee Trotter: Going into the trials, I had been struggling for the last three years. For me, it was now or never. It had to be now. After making the team, I was completely ecstatic. I knew that I had a lot more running in my. At one point in the final, I was in the lead, but Sanya Richards-Ross had the guts to pull it out, and ran a great race. It was the best race of my career, even thought it was not the fastest race. I had come back from a huge setback of a knee injury. London, was defintely, the most memorable race of my life. London still has not set in as of yet.
RBR, #4. What would you tell young athletes who consider track & field?
DeeDee Trotter: I would tell them, that if they choose to participate in Track, it will be very hard, but it is very rewarding. For me, I have been able to travel the world, do so many things I had not done before. It has been great to represent my country.
But my message is about all sports. Find a sport you like and participate. I include dance and cheerleading. Find something you love, you will do it better. I tell that them that the statistics are that one third of children will be obese, that wakes them up. That is enough to detour these kids from just sitting around. Working hard, staying active can only lead to good things!
RBR, #5: Where do we find out about the Saucony Run For Good foundation?
DeeDee Trotter: There is a Runforgood app at the appstore, so, if you have a smart phone, check out runforgood. Otherwise, look at www.sauconyrunforgood.com.
RBR, #6: Are we going to see you indoors this coming 2013 season?
DeeDee Trotter: I have not discussed my indoor season with my coach yet. It is on the table, but whether I am running or not, I will be at the Boston Indoors (NB Boston Indoors, usually early February).
DeeDee Trotter earning her bronze medal, London 2012,
August 2012,
photo by PhotoRun.net
Updated October 8, 2012
