Hey everyone thanks for joining us! Today, I will be interviewing former Gator All-American and five-time Southeastern Conference Champion Gray Horn. Gray set a personal best in the men’s decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Trials scoring 7,954 points to take home the bronze medal in June. I will be speaking with Gray to find out his goals for 2013, his thoughts on the 2016 Olympics, and what has brought him to this sport and kept him working for so long.
Danny Duncan: How were you introduced to Decathlon?
Gray Horn: “I was introduced to the multi-events when I was only ten years old. My grandpa and dad took me out to the track and let me pick my favorite events. Turned out I liked all of them.”
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Gray Horn: “I’m the kind of guy that gets bored easily, so the fact that I chose something that has 10 different disciplines doesn’t surprise me. I take pride in being the most well rounded, and most fit athlete around. That’s what gets me through it daily.”
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Danny Duncan: Out of all the events you compete in, which are your favorites?
Gray Horn: “My three favorite events are the long jump, 110 Hurdles, and Pole vault.”
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Danny Duncan: What are your goals for this upcoming season?
Gray Horn: “This upcoming season, I want to make the World Championship team and have a solid showing in Moscow. I feel like I have the talent to make that happen, I just need to address a few weaknesses.”
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Danny Duncan: With a bronze finish in the trials, do you have your sights locked down on advancing to the Olympic games in 2016?
Gray Horn: “After coming up short this year at the Olympic Trials, I’ve shown that I have the potential to be a contender for U.S. teams over the next few years. My eyes are fixed on Rio in 2016, and I’ll be ready to give it my best shot.”
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Danny Duncan: How did competing for the University of Florida help you to become a world class Decathlete?
Gray Horn: “There’s nothing like being a Florida Gator. Mike Holloway and his staff are the best in the nation at putting together the most gifted athletes around. They will continue to do that long after I’m gone, and running for them has been the honor of my life.”
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Danny Duncan: What advice would you give to young athletes interested in decathlon?
Gray Horn: “Any young athletes that are interested in the Decathlon should get ready for an emotional, and physical roller coaster. This event will have it’s ups and downs. It’s how mentally tough you are that gets you through those hard times, and up to the top.”
Danny Duncan: Who has been your biggest influence in this sport?
Gray Horn: “A couple of guys have been a huge influence over me in this sport. Aside from the obvious (Ashton Eaton, Trey Hardee, Bryan Clay), I grew up during the time when Tom Pappas was at his best. Watching him always inspired me.”
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Danny Duncan: What is the #1 thing you need to improve on to be even more successful in 2013?
Gray Horn: “If I want to reach my potential, I have to find a way to improve in the throws. I need to use my 6’4” 205 pound frame to my advantage, and gain some points there.”
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Danny Duncan: What has been your most memorable moment since you started competing?
Gray Horn: “My most memorable moment up to this point was when I realized I medaled at the 2012 Trials. That was really special to me. Having the opportunity to share the medal stand with two of the best athletes to ever live was something you dream about.”
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Danny Duncan: How was it choosing to attend UF?
Gray Horn: “Choosing to be a Gator was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Gainesville and I would get along just fine. It was perfect.”
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Danny Duncan: How was it adjusting from your high school, to a college the size of UF.
Gray Horn: “Adjusting from my small town of 800 people to the division one level took about a yea to get used to. It was hard at first, but i knew i belonged there.”
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Danny Duncan: Do you believe you can win a gold medal in the Olympics before you’re done in this sport?
Gray Horn: “As far as an Olympic Gold Medal, I don’t know man. There is some unreal talent out there right now. I’m just going to fix all of my weaknesses, and make myself the best athlete I can be. But my Dad always taught me to never say never!”
I want to thank Gray for joining us and wish him the best of luck on his journey to Rio in 2016. Kill it man!!! We’re all pulling for you.
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Keep in touch by following Gray on Twitter @GKHorn
Thanks for reading! Follow me for more @DannyDuncanPT
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