by Larry Eder
Natasha Hastings, photo by PhotoRun.net
Natasha Hastings is racing the 300 meters at the 110th Millrose Games, on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Natasha is one of the finest long sprinters in the U.S. She is the former American record holder (indoors) for the 300 meters.
In her Millrose race, Natasha is racing Sydney McLaughlin, the Rio team mate of Natasha and a fine runner in her own right. Natasha spoke to the media on Friday regarding her future, and provided some advice to Sydney McLaughlin.
Thanks to Nick Nicholas and Millrose Games for their assistance with the quotes.
To learn more about the 2017 Millrose Games, please go to http://www.nyrrmillrosegames.org/meet-schedule/. Remember, USATF.TV will show LIVE from 12 Eastern to 4 PM Eastern. NBC will go from 4 PM to 6 PM.
110th Millrose Games Press Conference Quotes
Natasha Hastings
Question: Is the 300 or the 400 meters your best distance?
Natasha: Of course I’m going to say the 400 is my best distance because that’s what I compete in throughout the year. I’ll run the 300 maybe once or twice for the year. People are going to have their arguments: In the 400 you’re usually first to the 300 and then I had the American record last year. I definitely have more practice in the 400.
About her future.
Natasha: I do plan on going to 2020 in Tokyo. I’m still here.
Question: Would you consider moving up to the 800?
Natasha: No (everyone laughs). I would consider moving down before moving up. Let’s just leave it at that.
Question: What is it about The Armory for you?
Natasha: Running at The Armory, I pretty much grew up in The Armory. I ran in The Armory before it was even a banked track. Throughout high school and junior high school I trained there. I feel like I kind of know the ins and outs of the track… You can put me in Lane 2, I’m not saying put me in Lane 2 (she laughs). I feel like I can handle any lane out there. It’s all going to be 300 meters around the track; it’s about execution and about getting to the line.
Question: Do you have any advice for high school Olympian Sydney McLaughlin (who is also running the 300m on Saturday)?
Natasha: Honestly, the biggest thing I would say is to have fun. She and I were actually roommates at the (Olympic) Games. To me, she is like one of us. She was in Rio. Sorry to say, when the gun goes off, even though she’s in high school, when the gun goes off I really don’t care because I’m coming for her head too. But, it’s important at that age to understand to have fun …she’ll wake up tomorrow and she’s going to be done with college or turning pro and the pressure of having to compete at this level is one that I don’t think we’re necessarily prepared for and we’re kind of thrust into it. You forget to have fun and enjoy the moment. It’s important for her to be a kid and enjoy the moment and still perform well.
To learn more about the 2017 Millrose Games, please go to http://www.nyrrmillrosegames.org/meet-schedule/. Remember, USATF.TV will show LIVE from 12 Eastern to 4 PM Eastern. NBC will go from 4 PM to 6 PM.
