Katerina Johnson-Thompson had a busy winter. She set British records in both the indoor High Jump and indoor Long Jump. And then, after winning the European title, she missed the world record at the indoor pentathlon, coming heart breakingly close, due, in my opinion to the moving up of the final event by one hour from the stated schedule.
Katerina Johnson-Thompson,
European Indoor Champs 15,
photo by PhotoRun.net
In this interview on May 8, Katerina was pleasant and honest. She also corrected me, rightly so, that her new high jump run up is shorter than her previous, only requiring nine steps. KJT is a wonderfully talented athlete, who also possesses that trail of the great ones: the ability to make light of much in difficult situations.
Katerina Johnson-Thompson finished second in the 200 meter hurdles, to Meagan Beasley. In fact, Ms. Johnson-Thompson was leading but had an issue as she cleared the last hurdle. Such is the day to day battles of one who could soon be the world’s greatest female athlete.
Special thanks to Katerina Johnson-Thompson for her honest answers.