Gray Horn: Decathlon 2016 Olympic Hopeful

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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Danny Duncan: Why decathlon, what is it that brings you back to work every day?

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

Jordan McNamara, 2016 Olympic hopeful: High school and his love for running

Thanks for joining us everyone! Today we have with us, professional runner Jordan McNamara, 2016 Olympic hopeful. Jordan runs for Nike & the Oregon Track Club, he is also a sub 4:00 minute miler with an incredible story! We are going to sit down and find out, what his high school experience was like, from being brand new to the sport and earning the credentials as one of the top high school runners in the country before he was finished.

Danny Duncan: You have had tremendous success as a runner, describe how it was competing in high school and what it meant to you?

Jordan McNamara: “High school for me was all about discovering my love of running. In Middle School, I was lazy and more focused on the latest video game. I’ll never forget my first HS XC practice. I Showed up- donned in basketball shoes and baggy shorts, with absolutely no idea what I was doing. As the run started, I asked some of the fellow runners who the boys leading the pack were. “Those are the varsity guys, best to let them go”. Without a second’s hesitation, I pushed my way to the front, determined to last with the school’s top dogs. Needless to say, my mental grit carried me as far as I could throw. I ended up getting dropped at mile 4 of an 8 mile deathmarch- ultimately finishing half an hour behind the varsity boys. I limped home, sore and fatigued beyond reason and vowed I’d never run again. The next day I showed up, and haven’t missed a beat since. 

Jordan Competing in high school. (17 years old)

Through HS, my enthusiasm was a constant. It was my fitness that continued to grow. From the beginning, I loved to run, I mean really just absolutely LOVED the sensation. I would sit in class all day, twitching and waiting, anxious to hear the bell of freedom. Within 5 minutes of school’s end, I would be hot on the trial, usually alone, smiling for no reason what so ever. Even at the tender age of 16, I would run 14,15, even 16 miles, all for the simple joy of it. Little did I know, I was laying the foundation for something truly special. As I matured I got better, rising through the ranks until I was one of the best in the state, and even the country. I would run at 5 A.M., often in the dark, pretending to be Dathan Ritzenhein or Alan Webb- runners who I would down the line race, and even beat.

Sure I had my set backs. As a senior, I went through my final XC season undefeated. I would finish races and spectators would think I’d taken a short cut, such was the amount of victory. Once this began to occur again and again, such notions were dismissed. those watching had little understanding that I had simply worked at an incredible level- in excess of 100 miles a week- all because I wanted to. Unfortunately, I suffered a stress fracture and was unable to compete in the post season championships. As always, I bounced back. I took my anguish and replaced it with my love of running, letting it fuel me to work deligently while rehabbing my injury back to health. I ultimately graduated HS with decent credentials, but not ones indicative of the future that was to come.”

Find out more about Jordan in the next interview. We will be discussing his dreams after high school, his most memorable moment while competing in college and what it meant for him to break 4-minutes in the mile.

Everyone show your support!

I want to wish Jordan the best for his upcoming track season, along with thanking him for his time!

Follow Jordan on Twitter:@JordanMcNamara

Thanks for reading! Follow me for more @DannyDuncanPT