by Stuart WeirThis interview is fun and gives us some insight into Will and Queen Claye. Stuart met with them back in July 2019 at the Monaco meeting. We hope that you enjoy the interview. We think that both should be fascinating players in the run up to Tokyo 2020. Queen was 4th in the 2016 Olympic Trials, after being a 2008 Olympian at 400m hurdles.
Will Claye made history in 2012, winning medals in LJ (bronze) and TJ (silver), a feat not done since 1932. In 2016, Will took (silver) in TJ and 2017 WC, 2019 WC, as well as gold in 2012 and 2018 WC Indoors.
Will Claye, photo by PhotoRun.net
Queen Claye, photo by PhotoRun.net
Will and Queen Claye
Queen, we remember you in Britain from being U.S. captain in the World Cup. Did you enjoy that event?
Man, that was amazing. I love any time I get to go to London. It’s always a great time -besides being able to eat Nandos. The crowd is always amazing. For USA to give me such an honour as naming me captain was pretty cool. so I’m happy to go back in a couple of days.
And of course you should be running for Britain, not America, Will!
Queen: What!
Will: it’s a possibility. A lot of my family is in London. It is definitely a second home for me and I love it. I will enjoy being back. I’m going to Sierra Leone in August and on my way I will stop in London and see some family. I love the UK for sure.
You are an athletics couple. Do you discuss trail legs and run-ups over dinner?
Will: we actually don’t talk much about track at home. She has her coach and I have mine and when we go home that’s our safe haven to relax and escape from everything else. When we get home she does most of the cooking.
Queen: and he does most of the eating!
Will: I had been eating very well recently and it is helping me a lot. To have someone who does the same thing as you and who trains very hard is amazing because they know what you put into it. They know the life style, which is a very different lifestyle, being a professional track and field athlete with the travel, the training schedule and things like that. So to have someone with you to go through it with you is a huge blessing. It is been amazing for Queen and me.
Queen, do you think it’s an advantage that your husband is an athlete?
Queen: I think it is but he can think he’s my coach at times so there’s that part! But it is great when you are literally married to one of the greatest horizontal jumpers ever. What person wouldn’t like that kind of feedback? And also just that type of motivation. As William said we get to motivate each other because we know what it takes to be the best in our event. We’re also there to comfort each other when we don’t have a great session or have an upcoming schedule that’s really tough. Having that kind of bond, not just on our spiritual level but at other levels and also the athletic level is amazing.
PART 2
Queen, does he sing in the shower?
Queen: Yes all the time. We have a studio in our house and he’s always making music. But I’m still waiting for a song that is just about me
How seriously do you take the music?
Will: I take music pretty seriously but there is the time dedicated to that which is different from the track and field. I focus on music when I’m not doing track and field – off season or when we’re having a break, and I am able to go in there. It’s time consuming. I’m spending hours in there and I try not to do it when I’m competing and training because I want to stay in a routine with that. But during the off-season, I record something every day, up to 10 hours a day. I am in there recording and creating music, trying to make the best songs I possibly can because music is a special thing for people. And it’s a connection I am able to have with people all over the world when they hear that music. So I want to give them the best product that I possibly can.
When you hang up your spikes is that something you might do full-time?
Will: yes, I think so. That alongside other business endeavours could be what I would do.
Musicians are traditionally very temperamental does that side of him come out?
Queen: no more so than the athlete Will Claye. I think it’s just emotional and as an artist you’re free to show your emotions in your music and things like that. So I think it’s a really good outlet for Will, to be able to express himself not only when he’s long jumping and triple jumping but also in the studio because there are some things that can’t be said in the sand but can be said in song. I really appreciate the way he’s able to compartmentalize between being a musician and being an athlete. Neither one interferes and actually I think each one helps the other. It stops you being always one-track minded.
Do you have anything interesting that you do away from track?
Queen: I’m not an artist but I’m definitely into the hair care business. I have a hair clinician business and a beauty line. Our house is always busy. There’s always something going on. Photo shoots, practice, he is in the studio…
Will: we have fun
Queen: number one we have fun and I think that’s the best thing about being married to this great man.
