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Angelo Taylor is the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in the 400-meter hurdles and was named Captain of the 2012 Olympic Men’s Track and Field team. He is one of only four men to earn two Olympic Gold Medals in his event. Angelo raced to four Gold Medals globally in the 4x400-meter relay at the 2008 Olympics and the 2007, 2009 and 2011 World Championships. He also earned a Silver Medal in the 2008 Olympic 4x400-meter relay and a Bronze Medal at 400 meters at the 2007 World Championships. Angelo’s eleven Diamond League victories include three each at Monaco and Zurich plus wins in Berlin, Paris, Birmingham, Shanghai and at the Prefontaine Classic. Other wins include at Luzern, Linz, Osaka, Gateshead, Doha, Glasgow, Lausanne, Daegu and Taipei. At the 1997 Pan Am Juniors he scored a Gold Medal in the 400-meter hurdles. During two years at Georgia Tech University, Angelo was a five-time All-American including two NCAA Championships in 1998 in the 400-meter hurdles and 4x400-meter relay. He won eight ACC championships including two each in the 400-meter hurdles and at 400 meters and four in the 4x400-meter relay. His prep racing at Southwest Dekalb High School in the Atlanta Georgia area included leading his team to two State Team Championships in 1995 and 1996. His junior year, he won the 300-meter hurdles and triple jump, was runner up at 400 meters, and anchored the winning 4x400-meter relay. His senior year he won five Gold Medals at 400 meters, 300-meter hurdles, triple jump, and in the 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay. Personal best times are outdoors: 100 meters – 10.58; 200 meters – 20.23; 300 meters – 32.67; 400 meters – 44.05; and 400-meter hurdles – 47.25. He was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and named to the ACC 50th Anniversary Track and Field team in 2002. He was very generous to spend two hours on the telephone for this interview.
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THE BIG PICTURE It’s been twenty-five years since your first Olympic Gold Medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and seventeen years since your second Gold Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Before an athlete can reach these achievements, there is a spark that sets a forward path. What set you on that Olympic pathway?
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Twenty-five years may sound like a long time, but honestly, it feels like it was just yesterday. The turning point for me was the 1996 Olympics. When the Games came to Atlanta, right in my hometown, watching my childhood heroes compete lit a spark in me. That’s when I knew I wanted to become an Olympian.
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What did it mean as a young, twenty-one-year-old man to make the Olympic team and climb to the pinnacle of our sport?
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From then on, all I could think about was the 2000 Olympics. The journey wasn’t easy, and the challenges along the way made that year even more meaningful. It was tough. I had always looked up to Derrick Adkins after his gold medal win in 1996, and by 2000, I was competing for the same spot. Making the Olympic team felt like a dream come true.
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How sweet was it in 2008 to reclaim the Olympic Gold Medal you had earned eight years earlier?
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Eight years later, being back on the podium was an incredible moment. Pushing through setbacks and injuries made it even more rewarding. I didn’t get the chance to defend my Olympic title in 2004, so returning to the top in 2008 was unforgettable. It was an exciting and powerful full-circle moment.
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In Olympic history over the 400-meter hurdles, only four athletes have been able to win two titles in your event. How does it feel to be included in this select group of champions with Glenn Davis, Edwin Moses, and Felix Sanchez on the Mount Rushmore of your event?
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To be included in the same conversation as Edwin Moses and Glenn Davis is an honor. When I looked at the Olympic history of the 400-meter hurdles, I wanted to make a statement and leave my mark.
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You had a history of racing relays in high school and college and were a member of Gold Medal 4x400 meter relay team in the 2008 Olympics and at the 2007, 2009 and 2011 World Championships, not counting a few other instances where the relay team was disqualified. How exciting was it to bring home these four Gold Medals for Team USA not based solely on your effort, but shared with three teammates and to be on the podium with your relay teammates and to receive Gold Medals and listen to the National Anthem together?
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It was incredibly exciting. Any time an athlete gets the opportunity to represent their country, it's a special moment. Sharing the accomplishment of winning gold medals in the relay with my teammates was truly awesome. I was always considered a great relay runner and was extremely fortunate to be included on the 4x400-meter relay team. They didn’t usually select 400-meter hurdlers for the relay, but I pushed the envelope.
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You were one of few athletes to race the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles well. I was looking at your consistency over a sixteen-year period from 1996 to 2011. You ran sub-45 for 400 meters in eight years, sub-45.50 in 12 years; and sub-48 for 400-meter hurdles in seven years, sub-48.5 in 11 years. Many athletes are at the top for four or five years, but what does it say about your career, your dedication, and your persistence that you were at such a high level for so long?
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Wow, I never really looked back at my career in quite that way. What I do know is that I was dedicated - because I truly wanted it. I wanted to be the best. I understood the process, and I was up for the challenge year in and year out. When I made the decision to become an Olympian, I knew it would take commitment, dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. And when it was all said and done, I wanted to be remembered as one of the greats.
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In 1996, when the Olympics were in your backyard in Atlanta, you were seventeen years old. You were doing hurdles, jumps, and sprints in high school track and field meets. As you developed at both 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles, did you focus on emulating any athletes in particular?
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Edwin Moses was my biggest inspiration from the start. My high school coach had a connection to him. He coached at Morehouse College right after Edwin graduated, while Edwin was still training there. In his office, there was a photo of Edwin, and that image became a symbol of the greatness I wanted to reach. Edwin was the athlete I admired and tried to model myself after. Kevin Young was another role model as he held the world record in the 400-meter hurdles when I was in high school. And then there was Derrick Adkins. He inspired me so much that I chose to attend Georgia Tech because of him. Those three were my main influences in the 400-meter hurdles. For the open 400 meters, I looked up to Quincy Watts and Michael Johnson. I studied their races closely.
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The dark side of our sport is the usage of PEDs, performance enhancing drugs, by some athletes. How disappointing was it to initially win Gold Medals as a 400-meter team member at the 1999 and 2001 World Championships and 2000 Olympics, only to have these results disqualified years later due to a teammate’s PED usage?
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It was disappointing—but not as hard to accept as it could have been, because I had my own individual accomplishments. I don’t support the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Sadly, some athletes felt the need to use them to stay competitive. But I genuinely believe that with real dedication and hard work, athletes can succeed without them. Honestly, if I didn’t have those individual gold medals, the disappointment would’ve been much greater. But having nine global golds definitely looks better than six.
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USA CHAMPIONSHIPS, OLYMPIC TRIALS, OLYMPICS, AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS At your first USA Championships in 1998 in New Orleans, Bryan Bronson won the 400-meter hurdles by a strong margin in 47.03, with you in 47.90, and Joey Woody in 47.97 rounding out the medalists. What was it like to score your first medal, a Silver Medal, at the USA Championships?
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I remember that race like it was yesterday. It was incredibly hot in New Orleans. I was coming off a win at the NCAA Championships, so I felt confident in my abilities. My focus was on making the team—that was my goal. I knew Bryan Bronson had been running fast, but I never doubted that I could earn a spot on the U.S. team. It was a fast race. Bryan got out strong, and I had to stick to my own race plan and finish strong because Joey Woody was a tough competitor. I made my move coming off the last hurdle - that’s where I passed him for second place. I was elated to win the Silver Medal. It was also my first time breaking the 48-second barrier, and I was incredibly happy with my time of 47.90 seconds. I was proud of that performance.
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The next year at the 1999 USA Championships in Eugene the race was slower, but you won in 48.49 seconds with Joey Woody a meter back in 48.61 just ahead of Torrance Zellner in 48.79 seconds. How cool was it to earn your first USA Championships Gold Medal and to qualify for the World Championships?
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That was a very cool moment. The race wasn’t as fast because there was some wind on the backstretch that affected us. In races like that, it’s not about the time - it’s about the placement. I was excited to win my first national championship and earn a spot on my first World Championships team.
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Let’s chat about the 1999 World Championships as you were one of the favorites for a medal, but slowed down too early in your heat, were nipped at finish, and did not advance. How big a disappointment was that?
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It was a huge disappointment. In the first round, I like to take it easy and conserve my energy - but I took the competition too lightly and didn’t make it out of the first round. I was upset. George Williams, the USA Head Coach, consoled me. I thought my World Championships were over, but Coach Williams told me I would be running on the 4x400-meter relay. That lifted my spirits and helped me regain my confidence.
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When I interviewed Khadevis Robinson, he talked about how, over four Olympiads, he missed the Olympic team by less than a tenth of a second, made the next Olympic team, missed again by a few hundredths of a second, and then made the Olympic team a second time. One of my favorites quotes is when Khadevis told me, ‘A setback, is a setup, for a comeback.’ Did you have that same feeling going into the 2000 Olympics?
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Most definitely. We have to learn how to lose before we can truly learn how to win. That means learning from our mistakes. I took a big lesson from 1999 when I didn’t make it out of the first round. In 2000, I knew I couldn’t afford to take it easy in the early rounds - I had to position myself well for the finals. I was determined not to make the same mistake twice, and that gave me a laser-like focus.
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I watched the 2000 Olympics 400-meter hurdles race a few times this week and you had the challenge of racing in lane one. How did you end up in such a challenging lane and what was your race plan?
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The reason I ended up in lane one goes back to the semifinals, where we had three heats. Each heat winner received a preferred lane, and the rest of us went into a random lane draw. I finished second in my semifinal, which was an automatic qualifier—but I drew lane one. This was the only Olympic competition where the draw was done that way. I spoke with my coaches, and they reminded me that I had won from lane one before. Right before the final, Lewis Johnson interviewed me and mentioned that John Akii-Bua had won the Olympic 400-meter hurdles from lane one in 1972. I told him I was here with a goal to win—and that hadn’t changed.
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The race was fast and, over the last couple of hurdles, you had to catch Hadi Souan Somayli of Saudi Arabia. Can you describe the race, coming out of lane one, and take us through the first 300 meters?
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I knew I had to run my race. Being on the inside meant I could see where my competitors were. I had to stay in my zone. Again, I can remember that race vividly. When the race started, my only thought was, ‘Get out hard and run that first turn.’ I even told Dwight Phillips, ‘If I don’t hit that first hurdle, I’m going to win!’ He laughed and said, ‘What if you hit another hurdle?’ The track was so fast that I had made a few adjustments from the earlier rounds. I cleared the first hurdle cleanly, and the backstretch was a blur - I was completely in the zone. Coming off the eighth hurdle, I caught sight of someone to my right and knew I wasn’t alone. I stayed focused and attacked the final two hurdles.
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What was it like as you pushed down the homestretch and could you tell you won as your 47.50 time was only three hundredths of a second ahead of Somayli in 47.53?
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Off the tenth hurdle, I gave it everything I had and leaned at the tape. Did I know I had won? No—it was a close race. I immediately dropped to my knees and thanked God for allowing me to accomplish my dream. It was my first Olympics, and I was simply grateful to be in the final, give my best, and finish healthy. After saying that prayer, I heard the announcement over the loudspeaker that I had won. It was an enormous relief - and pure joy to set a goal and achieve it.
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What was it like for you to be on the podium, receive your Gold Medal and hear the National Anthem played for what you achieved?
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It was surreal. I felt like I was floating on air - on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe it. I had a dream and set goals, and it all came true. It doesn’t usually happen at the Olympics your first time, but I did it. I kept thinking, ‘Is this a dream?’ It was such a great moment, and everyone around me was excited.
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From the high point in the 2000 Olympics, it didn’t go well at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. You won your 400-meter hurdles quarterfinal in 48.79, but your semifinal time of 48.72 for fourth place didn’t advance you to the final. Was this due to the stress fractures you developed?
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I didn’t know I had stress fractures. There was no pain in my shins. After the semifinal race, I noticed a bump on my left shin that seemed to have just appeared. I hadn’t seen it before the race, but afterward, it was suddenly there—and I had started limping. I immediately went to our team doctor. That’s when I found out I had what they called ‘incomplete fractures’—nine on one leg and seven on the other. I hadn’t felt pain, so maybe I had blocked it out. But I was told I had to stop running immediately. If I continued, there was a possibility that my shin could break and collapse. It was devastating. It was tough. I went through some depression.
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How tough was it returning to form after this injury, losing your sponsor and other items over the next couple of years?
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It was a very tough time. After the U.S. team doctor told me not to run, he referred me to a doctor in Atlanta who works with the Atlanta Hawks. When I saw him, he gave me two options: I could take time off and allow the injuries to heal naturally, or they could perform surgeries to remove the bone marrow and insert rods into my shin bones. I didn’t want to undergo those surgeries, so I chose to take time off. It was a rough period - I was depressed and really struggled. But once I was able to overcome that adversity, I began to see the light.
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Was it a blessing that you met Nigerian Olympian Innocent Egbunike, who was coaching a Georgia Tech group?
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It was truly a blessing to meet Innocent. I was at a track meet in Atlanta around June of 2005 when Innocent Egbunike approached me very aggressively and said, ‘You are wasting your talent!’ He was right in my face, and I remember thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’ That was my first interaction with him.
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How did you make the decision to join his training group?
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I later learned he had a training group with some top athletes. Once I was cleared to run in 2006, I met with Innocent, and it turned out to be a really good meeting. I did some research and discovered he had been a great athlete himself and was an incredibly positive person. I felt his group would be a great fit for me, especially with strong training partners.
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What was it like to be a part of Innocent Egbunike’s training group and to have him as a mentor?
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From that point on, things went well. We prayed together every day before and after practice. The atmosphere was positive, and everyone worked hard. Meeting Innocent was a blessing and having him as a mentor as 2008 approached meant a lot to me. There were challenges, but he guided me, encouraged me, and we built a special relationship. Whatever he could do to support me, he did - and I deeply appreciated him.
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As you were training with the 2008 Olympics not too far off, let’s talk about your 2007 season where there was a focus on the 400 meters. How did you decide to switch focus to the flat 400 meters?
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Since I was coming off the shin injuries, I was tentative about hurdling. I knew I was still a top 400-meter runner, and my training was going well. I talked to Innocent and said, ‘I would like to run the 400 meters.’ My agent thought I should focus on the 400-meter hurdles. But what I love about Innocent is that he listens to his athletes. He said, ‘If you want to focus on the 400 meters, let’s focus on it.’
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How did you achieve life balance since you weren’t sponsored at the time and were working a challenging job?
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There’s an interesting side story here—I wasn’t under contract at the time. I was working as an electrician, starting at 5:30 in the morning and finishing around 1:30 p.m. Sometimes my shift ran from 6:30 to 2:30. After work, I would drive to the track and sleep in my car until practice started.
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As you focused on the 400 meters that season, how did your results progress all the way up to the U.S. Championships final?
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In 2007, I ran 44.35 in the 400 meters at Georgia Tech, which put me back on the radar for a contract. As we prepared for the U.S. Championships, negotiations were underway. I won my semifinal heat easily, running in the mid-45s. I was told that if I won the final, I would receive a bonus when I signed my new contract. That gave me even more motivation to win.
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Jeremy Wariner already had a bye into the 2007 World Championships because he was reigning World Champ in the 400 meters. What can you relate about the 2007 USA Championships at 400 meters as you won in 44.05 just barely over LaShawn Merritt a hundredth of a second back in 44.06?
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Backing up a bit - earlier that May, I had a conversation with LaShawn Merritt, and he actually helped me with 400-meter racing tactics. I picked his brain, and he gave me a few key insights. I applied what he shared - and I got the win.
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At the 2007 World Championships, Jeremy Wariner won in 43.45 seconds, with Lashawn Merritt at 43.96 in second and you in 44.32 for third. How cool was it to have an American sweep for USA on the podium?
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That was a cool moment. At the time, I was upset because I was going for the win. But looking back, it was a wonderful experience to be part of a USA sweep. When there’s a sweep like that, you know the Gold Medal in the 4x400-meter relay is almost automatic.
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In the 2008 Olympic year, your focus was back on the 400-meter hurdles. At the 2008 Olympic Trials, Bershawn Jackson led the way in 48.17 ahead of Kerron Clement in 48.36 and you in 48.42 seconds, but you narrowly made the team as Justin Gaymon was on your tail at 48.46 and Johnny Dutch was there also at 48.52 seconds. What was it like coming down the homestretch as five of you were racing for three spots?
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It was tough—trying to get my rhythm back in the hurdles—but I was confident I could make the team. I was in lane three and got out well, but I hit the third hurdle. I lost my balance, and it could have ended badly right there. When we came into the final hundred meters off the turn, I was in sixth or seventh place. After I touched down from the tenth hurdle, I put my head down and dug deep. I ran all the way through the tape and looked over to see that I had edged out Justin for third place. That was a huge relief.
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Making the team was great but your racing wasn’t over yet that day. How tough was it to attempt to double in the 400 meters?
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The rest of the story is that I was trying to double in the 400 meters. I was happy about making the Olympic team, but there wasn’t much time to celebrate - I had to get ready for the 400. Just twenty-five minutes after the 400-meter hurdles final, I had to run a heat in the 400 meters. It was a tough double attempt. If I had more time between races, I think I could have done it.
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Between the Olympic Trials and Olympics, did you have a nice build up that gave you the confidence you needed to win?
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My training was going very well, but I don’t think I won a single 400-meter hurdle race that year until the Olympic Games. After the Olympic Trials, I had a talk with my good friend Terrence Trammell, and he was very encouraging as I prepared for the Olympics. I was facing some difficulties with executing my start to the first hurdle, and the frustration must have been written all over my face - because I kept receiving encouragement. My friends and family were also extremely supportive. Day by day, my confidence grew. My practice sessions started improving, and I began to feel more comfortable. I became laser-focused, and by the time the Olympic rounds began, everything was clicking.
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In the Olympic 400-meter hurdles final you crushed your PR to win in 47.25 seconds and had quite a bit of space ahead of Kerron Clement at 47.98 and Bershawn Jackson at 48.06 seconds. Was that a perfect race for you as you made up the stagger early and then Keron Clement fell off the pace after hitting hurdle nine?
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I remember being so calm and relaxed before the final - it was almost as if I knew I had it in the bag. In my mind, I was thinking, ‘Just do it like you did in practice.’ And that’s exactly what I did. I ran my race like I had trained for and came out with the victory. It was a great race - my personal best - and such a relief to be back on top. It was an exciting time, and I was so proud to win the Gold Medal again.
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In the 2008 Olympic 4 x 400-meter relay, LaShawn Merritt led off, and Jeremy Wariner anchored, while you and David Neville ran the middle legs and the USA cruised a 2:55.39, well ahead of the Bahamas in 2:58.03 and Great Britain in 2:58.81. Was that fun and a little different than winning the World Championship 4 x 400-meter Gold since this time you guys earned an Olympic 4 x 400-meter Gold?
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It was extra special. We were all relaxed and focused on going out there to have fun while representing the USA. We wanted to win - and it was truly exciting.
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For the next two World Championships, you made the team both times with Bronze Medals at the U.S. Championships. In 2009, Bershawn Jackson won in 48.03, followed by Johnny Dutch in 48.18 and you in 48.30. In 2011, it was a blanket finish as Jeshua Anderson won in 47.93, Bershawn Jackson was second in the same 47.93 time, and you were a hundredth of a second back in 47.94 seconds. You didn’t have success at Worlds either year. Was your long career and injuries wearing you out?
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After 2008, my Gold Medal team was broken up. I had to find a new coach, and my massage therapist wanted to start a family and no longer wanted to travel. So, I had to make some changes, and things just weren’t the same. Injuries started to creep in - it was always something. I tweaked my hamstring in 2009, and when I’m dealing with an injury, it affects me mentally. My mind has to be clear. I couldn’t focus because I couldn’t relax and run my race without constantly thinking, ‘Is my hamstring going to hold up?’ In 2011, after the U.S. Championships, I developed plantar fasciitis in my heel. I tried every treatment possible, but it wouldn’t go away. It was unfortunate that I never got the chance to win an individual 400-meter hurdles title at the World Championships. Still, I was fortunate to hold it together enough to run a relay leg and bring home a medal.
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In 2012 at the Olympic Trials, it was another tight race to make the team as Michael Tinsley won in 48.33 followed by you in 48.57, Kerron Clement in 48.89 and Bershawn Jackson a close fourth place in 48.94 seconds. How exciting was it to make your fourth Olympic team and to be elected to be captain of Team USA?
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It was extremely exciting to make my fourth Olympic team. It’s hard enough to make one Olympic team, so making four was truly a blessing. Being named Team Captain of the Men’s Track team was unexpected, but a huge honor. I was proud that my teammates selected me - it was a testament to who I was as both an athlete and a teammate.
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In your 2012 Olympic 400-meter hurdles semifinal heat, Javier Culson of Puerto Rico won in 47.93 with you two hundredths back in 47.95. In the final, Felix Sanchez won in 47.63 followed by Michael Tinsley in 47.91, Culson in 48.10, Dai Green in 48.24 and you in 48.25. Did that fast semifinal take away a bit of your edge or were there other factors that led to you placing fifth?
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I don’t think the fast semifinal took away my edge. In hindsight, I lost focus - or maybe I was just focused on the wrong thing. Javier Culson was undefeated that year, and in the final, he was in lane five while I was in lane four. I didn’t run my race. Instead, I tried to run his race. After the second or third hurdle, I was behind and ended up pushing too hard down the backstretch. By overrunning that part of the race, I had nothing left in the final 100 meters. Looking back, I should’ve just focused on my lane and run my own race. That one’s on me.
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Let’s discuss the 4 x 400-meter relay final as the USA’s Bryshon Nellum was second after the leadoff leg, the Bahamas and USA’s Josh Mance separated from the field on the second leg, Tony McQuay took the lead by a few meters on the third leg and you held the lead until the Bahamas Ramon Miller passed you with fifty meters to go for the Gold Medal and a Bahamas National Record in 2:56.72 with the USA and you three meters back in 2:57.05. How strong did the four of you race since you were without Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merritt?
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We almost didn’t make it to the final. In the qualifying heat, Manteo Mitchell heard a crack in his leg mid-race—he had fractured his fibula - but he still managed to finish. If he hadn’t gotten that baton around the track, we wouldn’t have even had a chance to run the final. On top of that, LaShawn Merritt and Jeremy Wariner were both dealing with hamstring issues and couldn’t run. Just before the final, after we checked in, I felt a twinge in my hamstring. At that point, it was too late to change the relay order or the lineup. Because of that twinge, I didn’t go out as hard as I normally would have. My split was in the 44s, which is slow for me, but I was afraid to really push and risk a full injury. Of all the times for something like that to happen, it was the worst timing. Still, I got the baton around the track and gave my teammates the opportunity to win a Silver Medal. I was disappointed - not for myself, but for my teammates. I wanted them to feel the joy of winning Gold. We didn’t get it that day, but at least we walked away with the Silver.
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During your four Olympic appearances in Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London, did you attend the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies and what are other memories of each place?
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In Sydney, I went to both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. That Games was incredibly special—it was my first Olympics, my favorite, and the city itself was beautiful. I remember walking into the Opening Ceremony with the NBA players. Afterwards, all my family and friends said, ‘We saw you on TV!’ - which is exactly why I chose to walk in with them. That was a cool moment. In Athens, I didn’t attend the ceremonies, and honestly, it wasn’t a great Olympics for me. In Beijing, the USA House was about fifteen minutes from the Olympic Village, and I spent a lot of time there. The USA Basketball Dream Team was around, and I got the chance to catch a few of their games, which was an amazing experience. Then in 2012, knowing it would be my last Olympics, I made sure to go to both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It was all very well done, and a great way to close out my Olympic journey.
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In 2012, did you know this was probably your last Olympics so you should soak it in?
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Yes, I knew it was probably my last Olympics, so I took advantage of seeing what was going on, though I was trying to stay focused on racing.
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OTHER ELITE TRACK AND FIELD COMPETITION The atmosphere in Monaco was electrifying when I was there in 1998 for their Herculis Track and Field competition. What was it like for you at far as the atmosphere, the track, and the competition as you won the 400-meter hurdles three times in 1999 Monaco in 48.41 seconds, in 2007 in 48.45, and in 2011 in 47.97 seconds?
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Monaco was truly special. It’s a beautiful city and one of my favorite places to compete. I always enjoyed racing there. The views along the Mediterranean were stunning, and the food was excellent. The fans brought great energy, creating an amazing atmosphere. The stadium was top-notch, with a fast track. I took every chance I could to run in Monaco.
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On that same Track and Field News Tour in 1998 when I was in Monaco, I also experienced the important Zurich Weltklasse Track and Field meet. You won the 400-meter hurdles there in three Olympic years – in 2000 in 47.90 seconds, in 2008 in 48.07, and in 2012 in 48.29 seconds. Why were you so strong in Zurich during the Olympic years?
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Zurich was another special place to run. There’s a mystique about it—one of those tracks where athletes just seem to run incredibly fast. It quickly became one of my favorite places to compete. The meet organizers and staff were always so welcoming, and they even gave us gifts of amazing Swiss chocolate. The setup was perfect - the meet hotel was only about 200 meters from the track, which made everything super convenient. The atmosphere was electric. The crowd was loud and passionate, but when you got in the blocks, it would go completely silent - you could hear a pin drop. Then the moment the gun went off, the crowd erupted. That energy made it one of the best places in the world to run.
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| GCR: |
You had other Diamond League wins including in the 400-meter hurdles in 2000 in Berlin with a 48.26 time, in 2001 in Paris at 48.10 seconds, and in 2012 Shanghai with a 48.98 clocking. You also won the flat 400-meters in 2011 at the Prefontaine Classic in 45.16, and in 2012 at Birmingham in 44.93 seconds. How cool was it to have so much success at Diamond League meets, which brought together the cream of the crop?
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| AT |
When I set up my training, it was always with the Diamond League meets in mind. Whether I was running the 400 meters or the 400-meter hurdles, the goal was simple: to win. The energy at those venues was incredible - especially at the Prefontaine Classic. The crowd there was truly into the races. The fans had such a high track IQ and really knew the athletes, which made a huge difference. That kind of atmosphere fired me up and gave me the motivation to peak for those races.
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| GCR: |
FORMATIVE YEARS AND HIGH SCHOOL RUNNING Were you active in many different sports as a youth and teenager?
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| AT |
I got a late start in sports - eighth grade - and I wasn’t particularly good. Most of my peers had already hit their growth spurts, and I hadn’t. But I loved playing, even though I was tired of losing. I talked to my parents about it, and we agreed I should ask my summer track coach, Willie Johnson, what I could do to improve. Coach Johnson told me to meet him at his house at 6:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I showed up, and we’d go on three-mile runs. That’s when everything started to change. That was around ninth grade.
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| GCR: |
What was it like when you changed school districts and moved to Southwest Dekalb?
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| AT |
When we moved into the district for Southwest DeKalb High School, I already knew the reputation - they were a powerhouse program. In ninth grade, I ran the mile and the two-mile. But after that summer, I tried the hurdles, and I liked them. So, in my sophomore year, I asked Coach Napoleon Cobb if I could switch to hurdles, and he let me. That’s when I really started to improve.
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| GCR: |
Speaking of Coach Cobb, what were his guiding principles or philosophies that set you on a pathway to success?
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| AT |
Coach Cobb had a big impact on me. He taught us how to be professionals - and how to be men. I learned early on that if I wanted his respect, I had to show him respect and follow his direction. Once I did that, we developed a strong relationship. What I appreciated about Coach Cobb was that he was tough, but fair. He gave us a voice - he encouraged us to speak up and even let us challenge for relay spots by requesting runoffs during team meetings. He was very technical too - he’d watch film with us and offer detailed feedback to help us get better. Once he saw the fire in me, he poured into me and helped me reach my goals.
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| GCR: |
How much of an influence was your dad, Angelo Taylor Sr., since he competed in football and track at Albany State University?
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| AT |
My dad didn’t talk much about his athletic career, so I never really saw that side of him. I didn’t get to watch him play football or run track, so his influence on me in that area wasn’t particularly strong. But he was always supportive. He never pushed me into sports, and I think that was intentional. He probably figured that if we really wanted to play - if we truly had the desire to be good - we’d show it ourselves through our interest and work ethic. And he was right. His quiet support meant a lot.
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| GCR: |
How did your first two years shake out on the track team as you found your way and figured out which events were for you?
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| AT |
During my first two years on junior varsity, I did a lot of different events. But something clicked between my sophomore and junior years - I had a huge jump in my performance and became extremely competitive. At Southwest DeKalb, we had a culture of excellence and a strong tradition of winning. Walking through the halls, you’d see trophy cases filled with the legacy of great athletes who came before us. Juniors and seniors were expected to step up and lead. By the time I was a junior, I knew it was my time. I wanted to win—not just for myself, but for my team. That drive came from our championship tradition. In 10th grade, I competed at the State Championships but didn’t do well, and our team didn’t win. That stayed with me. So, when junior year came, I was locked in.
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| GCR: |
At the 1995 Georgia State Championship your junior year, at 400 meters, Kavin Gibbs of Tri Cities ran 47.81 as you finished second. You won the 300m hurdles in 37.53 ahead of Darrell Arvin. You won the Triple Jump at 47 feet, seven inches ahead of Jon Muyres of Parkview and Armis Stokes of Brunswick. Then you finished the day anchoring the 4x400m relay to a win in 3:17.3 with your teammates Kenneth Pass, Clint Crenshaw, and Tregie Lowe ahead of McEachern, Redan and Wheeler as Southwest Dekalb won the team championship with 80 points with Wheeler a distant second at 37 points. How satisfying were the Georgia State Championships individually and as a team?
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| AT |
I remember anchoring the relay at State. We were in the lead when I got the baton, and I brought it home. I’ll never forget hearing my dad shout as soon as I got the stick: ‘It’s over! It’s over!’ That moment was unforgettable. My individual accomplishments meant so much more because they contributed to our team’s success.
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| GCR: |
At the 1996 Georgia State Championships your senior year, you totally crushed it with five Gold Medals. You won the 400 meters in 47.69 ahead of Kareem Williams of McNair. You defended your titles in the 300m hurdles in 37.03 ahead of Terrance Wilson of Campbell and in the Triple Jump at 47 feet, eight inches over Quentin McCord of LaGrange. Then you were golden on both relays as Southwest Dekalb won the 4x100 meters in 40.66 with Aurbin Richard, Clint Crenshaw, Terrance Trammell, and you and the 4x400 meters in 3:15.03 with Clint Crenshaw, Steven Rhodes, Kenneth Pass, and you as McEachran was second in both relays. And you repeated as team champs with a whopping 82 points over Carver’s 34 and McEachern’s 26 points. Was that just an amazing note to go out on for you and your team your senior year?
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| AT |
That was a great day and an amazing way to end my senior high school career. It was an exciting time, and I had set my sights on big goals. I wanted to break the state record in the 300-meter hurdles and win every event I competed in. At Southwest DeKalb, we had a championship coach and a championship mindset. We didn’t just want to be the best in the state—we wanted to be the best in the nation. That was the standard. Our goals weren’t just high; they were sky-high. We trained, competed, and carried ourselves like champions every single day. And it paid off - we repeated as State Champions.
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| GCR: |
At the 1996 World Junior Championships in Sydney, Australia you took home the Bronze Medal in the 400-meter hurdles in 50.18 seconds. Since the 2000 Olympics were already scheduled to be held in Sydney, were you already aiming to return in four years?
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| AT |
Absolutely. When I set my goals in 1996, I had my sights on making the Olympic Trials. I fell short, but I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I earned a spot on the Junior World team - which, fittingly, competed in Sydney, Australia, the future site of the 2000 Olympic Games. Being in Sydney lit a fire in me. I remember thinking, 'I want to come back here in four years - not just as a junior athlete, but as an Olympian.' From that moment forward, I dedicated myself to that goal. I trained with purpose, stayed focused, and put in the work - day in and day out - to turn that dream into reality.
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| GCR: |
COLLEGIATE COMPETITION You mentioned earlier that a main reason you went to Georgia Tech was because Derrick Adkins went there. After being so dominant in high school, when you entered Georgia Tech and Coach Grover Hinsdale, introduced your training partners - Derrick Adkins, the Atlanta Olympic champ who had a 47.54 PR, and Octavius Terry, the 1994 NCAA champion with a best of 48.39 - how nice was it to train with such great athletes?
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| AT |
I was fortunate to train with guys like Derrick Adkins, Derek Mills, and Octavius Terry. That was an amazing group of athletes - but more importantly, they were incredible men. I was the young guy in the group, soaking it all in and trying to learn everything I could. They carried themselves like true professionals, on and off the track. Their discipline, focus, and work ethic left a lasting impression on me. I watched how they trained, how they prepared, how they managed setbacks, and how they stayed grounded through it all. Being around that level of excellence showed me what it really meant to be elite - and I was hungry to rise to that standard.
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| GCR: |
What did Coach Hinsdale do to build upon your success with Coach Cobb?
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| AT |
I continued learning what it meant to be a professional. Coach Hinsdale was instrumental in that growth. He was a stickler about being on time, about doing things the right way - and he had a unique ability to recognize talent and speak life into it at just the right moment.
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| GCR: |
Is there a moment that stands out when his advice made a big difference in your mindset?
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| AT |
I was still a young athlete when I ran my first Olympic Trials. I remember after the semifinal, which was held in the evening, we had the final the very next afternoon. I told Coach Hinsdale, ‘Man, I’m tired.’ And he looked at me and said, ‘Guess what? Everyone else had the same amount of time to recover.’ He was right and exactly what I needed to hear. That moment helped shift my mindset.
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| GCR: |
I read that Coach Hinsdale asked if you would consider changing your dominant lead leg from the right to the left. How was it going through this big change in technique?
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| AT |
In high school, I was taught to use both legs, so when Coach Hinsdale suggested I switch to leading with my left leg, I didn’t hesitate. I trusted his judgment and said, ‘OK.’ He explained the reasoning behind it - by using my dominant left leg, I could stay closer to the inside line and avoid hooking hurdles on the curve. That made sense to me. It was a strategic adjustment, and since I already had experience leading with both legs, it wasn’t a big transition. For me, it came down to this: if my coach thought it would make me better, I was all in. I made the switch without any problem.
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| GCR: |
When you look back, how important was Coach Hinsdale to the development of the young men on the Georgia tech team?
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| AT |
Coach Hinsdale was more than just a coach; he was a compassionate mentor who truly cared about us as people. I appreciated his guidance then, and I appreciate it even more now. He recently retired after a remarkable career, and he deserves all the recognition for the impact he made - not just in my life, but in the lives of so many athletes.
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| GCR: |
We talked a bit earlier about when you raced with Joey Woody at the 1998 and 1999 U.S. Championships. Your first major race with him was at the 1997 NCAA Championships as Joey won the 400-meter hurdles in 48.59 only a meter ahead of you in 48.72 seconds. What transpired during that race?
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| AT |
In the final, I was out in lane nine - way on the outside - so I was basically running blind. I didn’t see anyone during the entire race until the eighth hurdle. That’s when Joey Woody came into view - he passed me right there. I tried to kick down the homestretch, but I ran out of real estate before I could catch him. That was the moment I found out who Joey Woody was. Before that race, I didn’t know anything about him. But I definitely knew his name after that.
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| GCR: |
In 1997 you raced the Pan Am Junior Championships in Havana, Cuba and won the 400-meter hurdles in 50.03 seconds. What was it like representing the USA, wearing the USA jersey, and winning the Gold Medal in Cuba which was under the Fidel Castro regime?
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| AT |
Anytime I got to put on a USA jersey and represent my country, it was an honor. That said, competing in Cuba under the Castro regime was rough. The accommodations weren’t great—we had to sweat it out in our rooms because the air conditioning was hit or miss. Sometimes it was on, sometimes it wasn’t. But even with those challenges, we all had to deal with the same conditions. At the end of the day, I was proud to bring home the Gold Medal for the U.S., especially after earning the Bronze the year before in Sydney. That made it all worth it.
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| GCR: |
The next year was your sophomore year, which ended up being your final year of collegiate competition since you turned pro. At the 1998 NCAA Championships in the 400-meter hurdles, you clocked 48.14 to handily beat Omar Brown of the University of Oklahoma in 49.38 and Kareem Archer of Villanova University in 49.46. How did it feel to step up a notch on the podium from the previous year and to win an NCAA Gold Medal?
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| AT |
That was a great moment. At the Last Chance meet before NCAAs, we were running in ninety-degree weather. Then we got to Buffalo, and it was forty degrees. That was a shock to the system. Before the final, Coach Hinsdale told me, ‘Just be in it with a hundred meters to go, and nobody can run with you.’ I knew I was the favorite, and the first part of the race went just as planned. With 100 meters to go, I was in third. When I came off the eighth hurdle, I took a deep breath and kicked into a dead sprint. I ended up beating the field by a whole second. That was huge for me. I came to be champion, and I accomplished that.
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| GCR: |
How cool was it to be on the podium for an NCAA Championship?
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| AT |
What made it even more special was being on the podium and hearing the announcer say, ‘He just ran the fastest time in the world this year.’ I didn’t even know. That moment was surreal - not only to win the NCAA Championship but to also lead the world. It was an exciting, unforgettable experience.
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| GCR: |
It may have been almost exciting the way the 1998 NCAA 4 x 400m relay played out as your Georgia Tech squad, TCU and Florida A and M battled for the win. Can you take us through that race as your teammates Tomas Motiejunas ran 46.8, Michael Johnson ran 45.9, Jonas Motiejunas also ran 45.6 and you brought the baton home in 43.6 to win in 3:01.89 ahead of TCU at 3:03.00 with Khadevis Robinson running a 44.8 anchor and Florida A and M in 3:03.24 with a Win Pollard anchor in 45.2 seconds?
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| AT |
That was a great relay race. On the third leg, it was neck and neck between TCU and Georgia Tech. So, when Khadevis and I got the baton at the same time, it was game on. We already had a little history. At the Penn Relays earlier that year, during the prelims, Khadevis went by me, and the crowd was yelling, ‘Whoop, whoop!’ TCU was talking big. I remember thinking, ‘No, no. I’m going to set it down and beat them in the finals.’ And I did - I split 44.2 and we won the Penn Relays. Now, here we were again at the NCAA finals. I was the NCAA Champion in the 400-meter hurdles, and Khadevis was the NCAA Champion in the 800. I knew when I got the stick, I had to set the tone. I took it out hard. Then, with 100 meters to go, I took a deep breath and took off. I split 43.6 and brought it home. That was a special moment. We beat TCU. I have a lot of respect for Khadevis - he’s a great guy - but that day, I was there to bring home that relay Gold.
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| GCR: |
On the way to the NCAAs are the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships where you won the 400 meters and intermediate hurdles twice each, while leading the Yellow Jackets to ACC titles in the 4 x 400-meter relay four times. Was that nice bringing home so many conference championships for your team? And can you relate some memories from your freshman year conference championship meets?
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| AT |
It was nice bringing home so many Conference Championships. My freshman year, the outdoor conference meet was in Atlanta, which made it even more special. Competing in front of my hometown crowd and winning both the 400-meter hurdles and the relay was a great feeling. That same year, the indoor championships were held in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was my first time running on a 180-meter wooden banked track. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe still make these kinds of tracks!’ But it was a fun experience.
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| GCR: |
What were some highlights of the ACC Championships, both indoors and outdoors, as a sophomore?
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| AT |
My sophomore year, the indoor championships were in Blacksburg, Virginia. I won the 400 meters by one-hundredth of a second—just 46.01 to 46.02 over Milton Campbell of North Carolina. You’ll notice, I had a habit of winning those close races. I liked the thrill of them. We also beat North Carolina in the 4x400 relay, running 3:08.48 to their 3:09.33. That year’s outdoor ACC Championships were in Orlando at the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. It had just opened up, and competing there was really cool. That whole stretch of my college career was full of unforgettable moments.
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| GCR: |
After your sophomore year, can you take us through the decision to turn professional, find an agent, select a shoe and apparel company, and who would coach you?
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| AT |
Initially, I wasn’t planning to turn pro. But I found myself struggling in school because, deep down, my heart was set on running professionally. That’s where my focus was, and I knew I needed to make a decision. So, I made the choice to turn pro. I took the process seriously. I interviewed Derrick Adkins’ agent along with a couple of others. I also had in-depth conversations with Derrick Adkins and Derek Mills about what life was like on the pro circuit - what to expect from agents, shoe companies, and the lifestyle that came with it. Once I chose my agent, we began discussions with the major shoe companies. Both Nike and adidas sent me gear to test out. Derrick Mills was already with Nike, and I had a great visit to their campus. Honestly, that visit sealed it for me. The culture, the people—it just felt right. It was an exciting and eye-opening experience going through the entire process of becoming a professional athlete.
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| GCR: |
WRAPUP AND FINAL THOUGHTS There were many years that you ran 200 meters early in May or June and you were as fast as 20.23 seconds – was it a speed check and confidence builder?
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| AT |
I grew up as a sprinter and the 200 meters is one of my favorite events. I would run it to see my speed. I liked seeing where I was. I didn’t consider myself a hurdler. I considered myself an athlete. I could do many events. I think that doing many events helped me check my speed and kept it fun. Now there is the Grand Slam circuit, and I would have been perfect for it since you do more than one event.
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| GCR: |
You have spent some time coaching others. What are the major differences between self-motivating and working with youths of varied abilities, dedication, and strengths?
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| AT |
As a coach, you have to have patience. Coaching is much more than setting workouts. You have to find a way to motivate the athletes. I had some great coaches, so I took a look back at my coaches. I had a tape from high school of Coach Cobb speaking at our athletic banquet and it helped me see things differently. I had to teach the kids about the sport and how to work diligently. I gave them examples of athletes they could look up to. When they wanted to meet their goals, I collaborated with them and enjoyed giving back like my coaches did with me.
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| GCR: |
After a successful career, you were inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. How much of an honor was this recognition?
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| AT |
Being inducted into a Hall of Fame is an incredible honor. It’s one thing to chase your goals and put in the work - but to be recognized for it, to be told that what you did mattered, that’s something special. To be inducted alongside friends, and among the greats who have come through Georgia Tech and the State of Georgia, made it even more meaningful. It felt surreal. I never set out thinking I’d end up in any Hall of Fame. I just wanted to work hard, compete, and make an impact. So, when it happened, I was honestly speechless. It was like something out of a dream - something I used to watch on TV, not something I thought would happen to me.
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| GCR: |
Just as others inspired you, how meaningful is it for you to inspire others?
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| AT |
What means the most is knowing I made an impact - not just on the track, but on my school, my community, and the sport. Hopefully, someone will see my story and be inspired to chase their dreams too, no matter how big they are.
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| GCR: |
In 2002 the ACC announced their 50-member 50th Anniversary team. But how cool was it that there were eight Yellow Jackets on the team including your training partners Octavious Terry and Derrick Adkins?
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| AT |
That was a very cool moment - and a true testament to years of hard work. I still remember getting that recruiting letter from Georgia Tech. I opened the brochure and saw the names and accomplishments of Derrick Adkins and Octavius Terry. As a young athlete, I looked up to them. I wanted to follow in their footsteps. Fast forward, and now I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside them. That was surreal. It felt like everything had come full circle. To be recognized with the very people who inspired me—that was an incredible honor. It was a proud day for me, for my family, and for Georgia Tech track and field. A reminder that dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and belief.
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| GCR: |
What do you typically do now for health, fitness and running?
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| AT |
I took a few years off from running, but I’ve gotten back into it recently. These days, I do a little running just to stay in shape. I’m out at the track with my athletes, so I find myself running back and forth across the field during practice. I’ve learned that health is wealth. I try to get as much exercise as my schedule allows. It’s not about chasing records anymore - it’s about maintaining a strong, healthy lifestyle and setting a good example for the next generation.
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| GCR: |
What are your goals for the future?
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| AT |
I’m a father first. I have two young boys, ages five and two, and I want to raise them right and be present as they grow up. That means everything to me. Professionally, I’m a financial educator. I help individuals and families generate wealth, build better financial habits, and create a path to financial freedom. My long-term goal is to build and grow my own firm - one that empowers people, educates communities, and creates opportunities. Ultimately, I want to be a serial entrepreneur. I’m always thinking about how to build, how to grow, and how to give back. Giving back to my community - whether through mentoring, coaching, education, or service - has always been part of my purpose. Any way I can help, I will. Because I know what’s possible when someone invests in you, believes in you, and helps you see the bigger picture.
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| GCR: |
When you give advice or sum up the major lessons you have learned during your life from the discipline of running, the camaraderie of the running community, and overcoming adversity, what you would like to share with my readers is the ‘Angelo Taylor Philosophy’ that will help them on the pathway to reaching their potential athletically and as a person?
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| AT |
I lean on my experiences. When I work with athletes, I start by listening—finding out what their goals are and what they want to get out of the sport. I let them know that this is a partnership. I’ll give everything I have as their coach, but they’ve got to match that energy. They have to be dedicated. They have to sacrifice. They have to do the work. Track and field will give back exactly what you put into it - nothing more, nothing less. A lot of athletes want the results, but they’re not willing to grind for it. That’s where I share my story. Because when people look at the end of my journey, they see the medals and titles—but they don’t see the years I wasn’t winning, when I had to fight to improve. I want athletes to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. But if they’re willing to take the journey, stay steady, and commit to the process, they can be successful. That’s what I believe. That’s what I teach.
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Inside Stuff |
| Hobbies/Interests |
I like to spend time with my family. I like going to sporting events
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| Nicknames |
‘Lo,’, ‘GeLo’, ‘Lowski’ and ‘Champ’
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| Favorite movies |
‘Gladiator’ and ‘Sea Biscuit’
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| Favorite TV shows |
‘Matlock,’ ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ ‘In Living Color’ and ‘Martin’
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| Favorite music |
‘Outkast’ ‘T.I.’ and ‘Goodie Mob’
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| Favorite reading |
When I was growing up, I was glued to ‘Track and Field News’
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| First car |
An Isuzu I-Mark
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| Current car |
A Lexus
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| First Job |
Working at the Boys and Girls Club
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| Family |
Family is everything. It is the bedrock upon which dreams are built and nurtured - and my family is no exception
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| Parents |
Both of my parents were athletic and deeply understood the discipline it takes to excel. They instilled in me the values of perseverance, commitment, and work ethic. They understood the assignment of parenthood with grace and enthusiasm, showing up at my meets and cheering from the sidelines with an energy that fueled my ambition. Their belief in me never wavered. They taught me that success isn’t just about winning - it’s about the journey, the growth, and the lessons you gather along the way. Their support laid the foundation for a family tradition of excellence in athletics
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| Siblings |
In 2012, my brother Corey Taylor coached me - and it was his training that helped me make the 2012 Olympic Team. My sister has also always been in my corner, traveling with my mom to every Olympic Games. That kind of support is priceless
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| Children |
Today, I’m blessed to be a father to four incredible boys. My oldest sons, twins Xzaviah and Isaiah, are thriving student-athletes running track and field at North Carolina A and T. They specialize in the 400-meter hurdles, posting impressive times of 50.3 and 50.4 seconds. Coaching them through their early years was deeply rewarding - it allowed me to walk beside them as both coach and father, and now, I cheer them on with pride as they pursue greatness on their own. My two younger sons, ages five and two, bring joy, energy, and curiosity into our home. Watching them grow and discover the world reminds me daily of the magic of childhood and the importance of nurturing their passions and dreams
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| Spouse |
: None of this would be possible without my wife, Lynnita. She is the cornerstone of our family—the steady presence, the encourager, the partner. Her support holds us together through every victory and every challenge. Together, we’re committed to building a strong, loving home that empowers our boys to dream big and chase purpose
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| Family Summary |
In the end, family is the legacy. Through the support of my parents, the achievements of my children, and the partnership I share with my wife, I’m reminded every day that love, unity, and belief in one another are what truly build greatness - not just on the track, but in life
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| Pets |
We don’t have pets, though we are about to get some fish and a small fish tank
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| Favorite breakfast |
Omelets
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| Favorite meal |
I’m a surf and turf guy. I like ribeye steaks with the lobster tail
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| Favorite beverages |
Water and lemonade
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| First running memory |
We had school field days. I was in kindergarten for my first field day. My mom was a schoolteacher, and I went to the school where she taught. I won ribbons on that field day
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| Running heroes |
My all-time hero is Edwin Moses. Other heroes are Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Willie Gault, Michael Conley, and Gwen Torrence. I also studied and looked up to Quincy Watts and Kevin Young from the 1992 Olympics
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| Greatest running moment number one |
: Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medal – 400m Hurdles. ‘This was my first Olympic Gold Medal, and nothing compares to that feeling. Everything I had worked for came together in that moment.’
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| Greatest running moment number two |
Beijing 2008 Olympic Gold Medal – 400m Hurdles. ‘Winning again eight years later showed the longevity of my career. I proved I could come back and be the best in the world once again.’
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| Greatest running moment number three |
Beijing 2008 Olympic Gold Medal – 4x400m Relay. ‘There’s something powerful about winning with your team. We represented the U.S. with pride and dominated on the world’s biggest stage.’
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| Greatest running moment number four |
NCAA Championship 1998 – 400m Hurdles. ‘Winning the NCAA title and hearing that I had just run the fastest time in the world that year was surreal. I came there to win and delivered that goal.’
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| Greatest running moment number five |
Georgia High School State Meet 1996 – Five Gold Medals and Team Title. ‘That day in high school was historic. I don’t think anyone else has ever done what I did - winning five golds and leading my team to a championship. It was a sign of what was to come.’
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| Most disappointing running moment |
The 400-meter hurdles at the 2012 Olympics in London was one of the most disappointing moments of my career. Finishing fifth… that one still stings. I was more than capable of winning that race. I had the training, the experience, the confidence - but I lost focus at the wrong time. I still can’t bring myself to watch that race. It’s the one that got away, and honestly, I haven’t gotten over it
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| Childhood dreams |
Initially, I wanted to play in the NFL. Football was my first love, and I really thought that was going to be my path. But once I started lowering my times on the track, everything changed. I realized I had a real shot at making the Olympics - and that became my new dream. From that moment on, I was all in
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| Embarrassing moment |
It was my junior year of high school, and I was playing in a basketball game. My coach had taken me out for a bit, then put me back in. We were inbounding the ball at half court, I rolled out, got the ball, and took off. I went up strong and dunked it… in the wrong goal. I mean, I made the dunk - it was clean - but the whole gym erupted. My teammates were yelling, ‘You dunked in the wrong goal!’ Thankfully, we were winning by a lot, so it didn’t cost us the game. But I’ll never live that one down
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| Favorite places to travel |
In the U.S., I like Miami. Overseas, Monaco is my favorite
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| Choose a Superhero – Batman, Superman, or Spiderman? |
Superman
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| Choose a theme park – Disney World or Universal? |
Universal
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| Choose a Sylvester Stallone - Rocky or Rambo? |
Rocky
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| Choose a quarterback – Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Jaylen Hurts? |
Patrick Mahomes
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| Choose the beach or mountains? |
The beach
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| Choose a tough guy – Vin Diesel or The Rock? |
The Rock
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| Choose a comedian – Chris Rock or Kevin Hart? |
Kevin Hart
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| Choose movie coolness – James Bond 007 or IMF Agent Ethan Hunt? |
James Bond all the way
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