American track legend and double Olympic medallist Dalilah Muhammad was in Bengaluru recently for the TCS World10K Bengaluru as its event brand ambassador.
The iconic athlete famous for her exploits in the 400 metres hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she clinched the gold, and 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she finished with a silver shared her thoughts about her highly decorated career, Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra and much more in this exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal. Excerpts..
Q) Dalilah, How does it feel to be in India for the TCS 10k. Is it your first time in the country?..
A: Yeah, it’s my first time here and I’ve been really enjoying myself so far. I don’t think most people know that I’ve such a love for distance running so to be here in a country that I have never been to, supporting an event that I absolutely love is good.
Q) You are a double Olympic medallist. Gold in Rio and Silver at Tokyo. Tell us about the experience of being an Olympic champion at Rio..
A: You know it was a dream of mine to be an Olympic medallist and to be a gold medallist. I remember watching my training partner kind of win our Olympic triathlon and oh my god..to have the trials in America and see that she has the potential to win an Olympic medal. That made me feel wow!..that could potentially be me too. So yes, its been a really rewarding experience.
Q) In between Rio and Tokyo, you also won the World title in 2019 in Doha. How did that go for you and what was the feeling of being the Olympic and world champion at the same time?..
A: I think it was absolutely amazing. I started that year quite bad and won silver in 2013 and silver in 2017. In 2017, I really wanted to win the gold and I kind of hurt my hamstring maybe a month and a half before the world championships, I pushed myself but it was only good enough for a silver on that day. So just going into my third world championships and never having won a gold, I really wanted the gold in 2019 and I was really proud to make that a reality. It was the icing on the cake to break the world record twice year and to end up with the gold also in the 4×400.
Q) What is your impression of Indian athletics?..
A: I think its good. I’ve been watching the Asian Games and that’s the most experience I get with Indian athletics. I think everyone is out to put on a show and their enjoying what they are doing. I think there is a community that is backing them and that’s great to see.
Q) We have Neeraj Chopra in our fold being the double Olympic medallist in javelin throw. What do you make of him?..
A: Yeah..I’ve watched him become an Olympic champion and it was exciting to see at Tokyo. I really remember that time period and just actually watching it. It was then that I first realised that I have never seen an Indian athlete before and performing at that level. I wasn’t exposed it and then I felt this was something different and extremely memorable.
Q) India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and before that the Commonwealth Games. What are your thoughts about India’s plans. How do you see it?..
A: That’s amazing. I wasn’t aware of that. If its possible, definitely it will inspire many athletes and give a chance to athletes from around the world to see what India is like. I think its really important to get to see the world and get to see different people and different communities. I think it will be a great experience.
Q) Talking about your own event, the 400 meters hurdles, Indian athletics legend PT Usha had missed out on an Olympic medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in a photo finish where she came fourth. Have you ever interacted with her ever and do you know she is the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President currently?..
A: I did not know that and no I have not interacted with her before either.
Q) As you might have heard, India is a cricket crazy country and the IPL is presently on. Do you understand the sport or know of any cricketers?..
KRISHNA KUMAR E S
A: I do not know much about cricket and unfortunately that’s not very popular in America. I do know a bit about Rhy Benjamin and his father. Apparently, he is a famous cricket player but my own experience I don’t know much about the sport.
9) How do you perceive the running culture in India now that we have several marathons, half marathons and 10k runs?..
A: I think its really good. I feel the focus now is in bringing the community together and getting everybody out running and the focus on fitness and personal health. I love the philanthropy aspect of it. So yeah, its a good atmosphere.
10) In your opinion, who do you think is the greatest ever athlete the United States has produced till date?..
A: That’s a tough one..umm..Serena is up there, Tiger Woods, so many of them (chuckles). I’m going to go with Muhammad Ali.
