| Alexandria Anderson |
Event: 60m, 100m |
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How much are you on the road/per year?:
I am on the road alot during the season especially the summer time. I am on the road a total of 3 months or so.
Where is your favorite place in the world to compete? Why?:
My favorite place to compete is definitely Rio because I love atmosphere of the city, the people and the track of course.
How does having friends and family at meets rooting for you affect you? What are some of your favorite memories?:
Most people don't think of track and field as a spectator-friendly sport, and it's pretty common to have only relatives of the athletes in the stands. Also, since I travel a lot to compete, it's hard for family to make it to every meet. That being said, I can count on one hand the number of meets that my parents have missed...they've been to all of the rest. It means the world to me to have people I know cheering for me at every meet. I've had non-family fans come to meets as well and it's really exciting to have a cheering section! One of my favorite memories is at Mt. SAC and I had my parents, some extended family, and a few friends in the stands. When I got on the runway, I could hear all of them cheering and clapping for me. It made me happy to have all that support so far from home.
How has Ludus facilitated the preparation process for you/family going into Pan Ams, Olympics, etc?:
I haven't yet used Ludus because I didn't have family come over for World Champs in Daegu but hearing from athletes who have used it, said they were pleased and happy with the results. Their family was able to get airfare, hotel, get tickets to the track meet, and have all good accommodations.
What does it mean to you when you see American Flags or patriotic fans out in the crowd or at the event?:
It means that the USA team has support for our sports all over the world. We are appreciated for our hard work and that just pushes us to want to go even further for our fans. It gives you a sense of pride for your country and makes you want to give 110%.
What are the crowds and fans like at major international competitions?:
The energy you get from the crowd and fans is electrifying. To hear them chanting "USA, USA!!!" at World Championships, got all my adrenaline rushing and got me super hyped for the relay.
What are your competition goals for 2016? What will you do once you achieve these?:
My goals are like the majority if not every other athlete training this season- to win the Olympic trials, make the Olympic team and go for the gold medal in Rio.
What is your favorite Track and Field moment and why?:
My favorite track and field moment was winning the 2011 USA Indoor Championship in the 60m. It was because that entire indoor I was focused on intensely training and nailing my start and all, though at the beginning of that indoor season my start was shaky, on that day it all came together. So I learned from that day to make it count when it matters the most.
What is your prediction for Team USA in Rio?:
Team USA will reach an all time high on the overall medal count than in 2008 and get more gold medals.
About You:
From Chicago. Attended the University of Texas. PR: 100m- 11.0, 200- 22.6, part of the 2009 & 2011 US World Team.
Stay up to date with Alexandira check out her Twitter page:
Twitter: @MzAlex_A
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| Kyle Miller |
Event: 800m, 1,500m, mile |
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How much are you on the road/per year?
I am on the road about 4-5 months a year, but when I am at home I usually have to travel about every 2 weeks on shorter trips
Where is your favorite place in the world to compete? Why?
Europe is for sure my favorite place to compete. They appreciate track and field so much more so the crowds are a lot bigger and louder.
How does having friends and family at meets rooting for you affect you? What are some of your favorite memories?
Having friends and family at races makes things a little more nerve racking because you don't want to disappoint but also makes the reward greater when you run well. Competing at Penn Relays, Texas Relays are some of my best memories when my family attended because they are two events that I idealized ever since I was in High School so it meant a lot for me to compete at those meets with my family in attendance. Although this year my family will be making the trip out to Eugene for the Olympic Trials so hopefully that will be a memorable one as well.
What does it mean to you when you see American Flags or patriotic fans out in the crowd or at the event?
Seeing your countries flag and colors at races really makes me realize why I do this sport and what the ultimate goal is, which is to represent our country at championships.
What are the crowds and fans like at the Olympics/World Championships? (From personal experience or TV)
I've never been to an Olympic or World Championships but from what I've seen on television it looks like the greatest environment on earth for an athlete. Its not about fast times or money, but about representing your country and chasing a medal.
What are your competition goals for 2016? What will you do once you achieve these?
The main goal for 2016 is definitely to make the Olympic team in the 1500m. If I make the team then all the years and effort that I have put into this sport will come full circle and I will have accomplished the goal that every young kid dreams about.
What is your favorite Olympic moment and why? (You or your hero)
My favorite Olympic moment is something I wasn't alive for but can only imagine what it would of been like to be there. It was the 1980 Winter Olympics when the mens hockey team comprised of college players defeated the powerhouse Soviets and eventually won gold. It just shows that no matter what others say as long as you believe anything can happen.
What is your prediction for the USA in Rio?
I really think that this will be the best Olympics that the US has ever had and will have our highest medal count ever.
About You (include event(s), PRs, National Teams, training club, etc)
Kyle Miller
Nike
Austin Track Club
PRs:
800: 1:47
1500: 3:36
Mile: 3:55
Be sure to keep up with Kyle on his Twitter: @kylemilleratx
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| Alicia DeShasier |
Event: 2011 Pan Am Gold Medalist in Javelin |
Photo Credit: Alicia DeShasier
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How did you get into throwing the Javelin?:
I was on scholarship to play softball for 4 years in college (at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville) when the track coach saw me throw someone out at home plate from the outfield and thought I had potential. My fifth year, I was working in the athletic offices at SIUE while I finished my degree and he approached me and asked if I'd like to try throwing the javelin. I'd never participated in track or seen a javelin, but I thought I would give it a try since I had another year of eligibility left. I didn't know what to do with my free time anyway. Being an athlete my whole life and suddenly not having to practice something was a shock to my daily routine, so I jumped at the chance to participate in competitive sports again. That summer I qualified for the Olympic Trials and placed 5th.
How much are you on the road/per year?:
I'm on the road 5-6 months a year. Since I work as well, I usually travel and compete on the weekends and it's not too overwhelming. Hopefully, next year and on into the future, I'll be able to compete overseas and expand my worldly knowledge!
Where is your favorite place to compete? Why?:
My favorite place to compete would have to be in Tucson, AZ at the Tucson Elite Throwers Classic. It's a very laid-back meet yet very competitive at the same time. A handful of high-caliber athletes in each throwing event come to that meet and it's ridiculous how much talent is there yet it's still so relaxed. Most of the athletes know each other pretty well and support each other. It's a cool atmosphere.
How does having friends and family at meets rooting for you affect you? What are some of your favorite memories?:
Most people don't think of track and field as a spectator-friendly sport, and it's pretty common to have only relatives of the athletes in the stands. Also, since I travel a lot to compete, it's hard for family to make it to every meet. That being said, I can count on one hand the number of meets that my parents have missed...they've been to all of the rest. It means the world to me to have people I know cheering for me at every meet. I've had non-family fans come to meets as well and it's really exciting to have a cheering section! One of my favorite memories is at Mt. SAC and I had my parents, some extended family, and a few friends in the stands. When I got on the runway, I could hear all of them cheering and clapping for me. It made me happy to have all that support so far from home.
How has Ludus facilitated the preparation process for you/family going into Pan Ams, Olympics, etc?:
In preparation for Pan Ams, my parents and I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't concerned about my own travel since I would be with Team USA, but my mom was pretty uneasy about making all of the arrangements for the trip due to the fact that it was a different country and many things are different there than in the United States. I told her about Ludus Tours and once she spoke to them, saw that everything was taken care of for you, and the Ludus guides are with you as needed, she was sold. Once she and my dad were signed up with Ludus, her relief was apparent and the excitement for the trip set in. For a while, I wasn't sure if she and dad were more excited to come watch me compete or go on the side trips that the Ludus guides had planned! During competition and after, I had an entire Ludus Tours cheering section! It was an awesome feeling to have a group of people excited for me because the guides were just as excited as my parents! My parents were very happy choosing Ludus Tours and were impressed with the quality of their trip-planning. They only had wonderful things to say about the guides and will continue to use Ludus in the future.
What does it mean to you when you see American Flags or patriotic fans out in the crowd or at the event?:
Especially at an international competition, when you hear cheers of U-S-A or see American flags in the crowd, it's a very proud feeling. I was reminded that I was representing our great country and having fans cheering for Team USA or wave a flag to cheer me on was an incredible feeling.
What are the crowds and fans like at major international competitions? (From personal experience or TV):
At an international competition, there are thousands of fans in the stands that enjoy watching all the events (and they aren't all relatives of the athletes). Generally speaking, they enjoy every event and go crazy for the winners. If you win your event, you become an instant celebrity and people want to touch you, touch your medal, take pictures with you, have you hold their baby, kiss your cheek, hug you, etc. It can be very overwhelming but very flattering at the same time. People in the crowd all want your attention. They all want to make eye-contact and make sure you see them waving and cheering for you.
What are your competition goals for 2016? What will you do once you achieve these?:
My competition goals for 2016 are to hit the Olympic A standard of 61 meters during the season and to finish in the top 3 at the Olympic Trials so I can be a part of Team USA going to Rio. Once I achieve these goals, I will continue to compete as long as I am healthy and can compete at an elite level. Striving for the perfect throw...
What is your favorite Track and Field moment and why? (You or your hero):
So far, my favorite Track and Field moment is winning the Pan Am Games in 2011. Winning a gold medal and having my parents there to share in that excitement was something I will never forget. I remember hearing my mom scream with excitement as I ran by with the American Flag over my shoulders, and I saw my dad about to burst at the seams with pride. They were so happy and so was I. That feeling is indescribable and exhilarating. The outpouring of support from my hometown, my family, and my friends during that time was also very heart-warming.
What is your prediction for Team USA in Rio?:
From a Track and Field perspective, I think we have a good chance of doing very, very well. The possibilities are exciting. I hope I'm there to take part in the success of Team USA and the Olympic journey!
About You (include event(s), PR's, National Teams, training club, etc):
2011 Pan Am gold medalist, PR of 58.01m, 1 national team, currently train in Madison, WI with the coach that first asked me to throw the javelin, 2008 Olympic Trials - 5th, 2009 US Championships - 4th, 2010 US Championships - 3rd, 2011 US Championships - 3rd.
Facebook/Twitter page (if you want us to link to it, help promote you!):
My website is in progress, so I'll update you once it's done!
Other? Feel free to include anything else!:
Thanks for everything! My mom and dad had a wonderful experience with Ludus Tours and can't say enough good things about you guys. Your personal attention to them is above and beyond what they expected. And, I appreciate it more than you know...hearing my mom stressed out about at trip that I know she's uneasy about can weigh on me as well. I knew they were in good hands once they got there and started raving about how great you all were to them.
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| Leo Manzano |
Event: 1500M/Mile |
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How much are you on the road/per year?
I am on the road about six months out of the year.
Where is your favorite place in the world to compete?
Por que?
I have many places where I like to compete. Rieti, Italy, has been one of my favorites as well as Monaco. It is always an experience to travel to unknown lands and places but doing it with someone that already knows how, when and where is a lot easier.
How does having fans, friends, family and USA flags at meets rooting for you affect you?
Having family and friends cheering for you with USA flags is an exhilaration, it definitely boosts your moral giving you more mental energy to compete even harder.
When you found out that you qualified for the Beijing 2008 team, what were your initial thoughts/concerns?
I was overcome with joy and excitement--didn't really think of anything except that I had made it!
What are your favorite memories of having friends, family or fans at the Summer Games with you?
It was my parents first time on a plane. My dad took his Cowboy hat to China and the Chinese were loving it. We also got to go shopping at the local markets.
What do you think makes Ludus unique? (*Leo’s family joined Ludus in Beijing for their first Summer Games experience)
I think Ludus is a great idea! Travel can be very confusing and scary but having someone that already knows the lay of the land and has everything planned out makes it easier on everyone!
About Leo Manzano
Beijing Olympian, 4-time USA Team in 1500m, 2010 Indoor 1500m National Champion, WR Holder indoor DMR, 5 time NCAA National Champion
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| Charlie Serrano |
Event: Distance Runner - 800M to Marathon |
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How did you get into running?
When I was younger, I had played baseball for 7years or so and my sister joined a youth running club. Her post season events and festivities looked way more fun than my All-Stars games did. Plus, the kids she practiced with looked like they were having a lot of fun just running around. I was in around 8th grade when I asked my mom if I could start running with her (my mom) and afterward she signed me up with the Simi Valley Running Rebels.
How much are you on the road/per year?
If you mean by traveling....not toooo much. Fortunately a lot of the target races in my season are somewhat local, with exception to some of the US championship races. And if you mean by running, then not too much either, I'm surrounded by some really good trails and my joints thank me for that.
Where is your favorite place to compete? Why?
I love racing at the Stanford Cardinal Invite because of the intense atmosphere during the distance events. Eugene is pretty rad for that same reason. I raced in Europe last Summer and I LOVED that they played music during the entire meet in Heusden. I think we need to incorporate that into our track meets here; I'm pretty sure that it would make it more fun for the spectators, which would in turn draw more people to track meets and generate more revenue for the entire sport.
How does having friends and family at meets rooting for you affect you? What are some of your favorite memories?
It doesn't really affect me all that much, when I'm racing I'm in the zone and I know usually by halfway whether the race is going to end well or not. That's not to say that I don't enjoy having them there, though. I love when a race is panning out well and you can feel the excitement in your supporters as you run by. Having family has kept me from dropping out of races when the races weren't going well. I figure if they can make it to my race, I can at least finish it up for them, haha.
What does it mean to you when you see American Flags or patriotic fans out in the crowd or at the event?
It makes me think of the phrase "For Amurica". Said like a redneck.
What are the crowds and fans like at major international competitions? (From personal experience or TV)
The crowds are way more into it in the European countries, it's awesome! Last Summer I got to race under a full sponsorship with SHOEBACCA.com, their generosity allowed me to experience something pretty unique and special.
What are your competition goals for 2016? What will you do once you achieve these?
Run under - 13:45 for 5k, under 28:00 for 10k, go to Oly Trials in June, and race in Europe again. If all those are achieved, I might have a decent shot at a contract, which would allow me to continue my running career. Or else, I might just have to hang 'em up.
What is your favorite Track & Field moment and why? (You or your hero)
A couple of my breakthrough 10k's have really meant a lot to me, mostly because I felt like I needed to show some people that I can run well in what may seem like less than ideal training conditions. Also, because I was at a time in my life where I was questioning whether I should choose a different endeavor. Watching Solinsky smash the US 10k record and running under 27:00 was pretty sweet, too.
What is your prediction for Team USA in Rio?
Agh, who knows? There are a lot of favorites listed to make the team in their respective events, some a sure thing. But one thing I learned early in my running career is that strange things can happen at big meets. No one is ruled out.
About You (include event(s), PR's, National Teams, training club, etc)
I run for an Adidas sponsored club team out of Long Beach called Adidas-Legacy Run Racing. I work part time at a running store called Foot Pursuit and I owe a lot of my current success to the store and the owner/my friend Bryan Dameworth for being extremely flexible with my training/racing needs. I sell art on the side, here's my website: www.1Loveinc.biz. I love to do art and interior design, also love working on cars. Basically, I like working with my hands and creating things. I'm ADD. I don't follow running too much (can't even remember the last time I was on Flo-Track or Lets Run). Umm, what else? I enjoy romantic moments by the fireplace, drinking wine with an attractive female while sitting on a bearskin rug (Truth be told, that has never happened). Oh, and I like using emoticons. :p
My PR's to date are:
800- 2:00
1500 - 3:46.02
5k - 13:57
10k - 28:24 (14:05 last 5k)
15k - 44:27
half mar - 64:04 (I think)
Marathon - 2:19:48 (debut)
Final shout outs go to my family and friends and their constant support; Ryan Shon, Ryan Emery, Mom and Sis; my coworker, Mo; and one one of my best friends and coach, Vernon Ruiz (aka Vernacular, Vernastotle, and Vernociraptor). Love you all.
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| Amy Yoder Begley |
Event: 5,000 meters/10,000 meters |
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Amy was a 2 Time NCAA National Champion at the
University of Arkansas. She is an extremely tough athlete who
has faced her fair share of adversity over the years. Amy competed
at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials. She is now coached
by Alberto Salazar as part of the Nike Oregon Project Team. She
trains alongside Kara Goucher, who recently placed 3rd at the
IAAF World Championships (in Oksaka, Japan).
Can you briefly tell us where you’ve
been since graduating from Arkansas?
I have spent 6 years trying to find the
best place to train. I tried running back home
in Indiana for 2 years. I spent winters in warmer
places like Florida, Arizona and Australia. I
had 2 years of injuries including a torn oblique, and
2 tibial stress fractures. So at the beginning
of 2004 I moved to Albuquerque to take advantage of
altitude training prior to the trials. I had
a couple good years and then we moved again for Andrew's
job. We ended up in Atlanta in 2006. I
was injured again from two falls. I fell in the
bathroom and injured my hip and then I fell in the
woods and broke my ankle. At this point I did
not know what to do. I got in touch with Kara
and Alberto. They took me on broken ankle and
all starting January 2007.
After competing in 2 Olympic Trials already,
what are your feelings about the 2008 Eugene Trials?
The first Olympic Trials was two weeks before my wedding so my
mind was else where. The second Olympic Trials I had come
off of 2 years of injury and was pleased with how I did. This
time I am also coming off of two years of injury. However,
this time I have a lot of support from a new coach, Alberto Salazar,
and the Oregon Project team of Kara and Adam Goucher, Galen Rupp
and Josh Rohatinsky. I have a great support team of massage,
ART, anti-gravity treadmill, and a husband who loves that someone
else tells me to do 2-mile repeats. I am just now starting
to come back from another injury but I have 10 months to put
it all together.
What’s it like training with the
Nike Oregon Project?
Kara and I have known each other since
High School. We are a lot alike and want the
same things from running. Due to injuries
I have not been able to do a lot with her yet but I
am working on it. We do easy runs together plus
all of our drills, plyos, and lifting. We work
hard but it is fun being in a group like this. Alberto
is a great coach who takes care of us. I am really
lucky and blessed to be a part of this group.
What led you to the group?
I spent most of 2006 being injured from
falling in a bathroom and in the woods. I was
frustrated and ready to give it up. Andrew wanted
me to give it another shot because he knows that I
have what it takes. I just needed the resources
to be able to put it together. Kara had been
running really well the last year. Because we
have similar running career backgrounds I got in touch
with her to see how she turned things around. I
then talked to Alberto. Nike and Alberto agreed
to take me on, even with a broken ankle. I am
a lucky girl.
What would you consider your greatest running
achievements?
I have four. My favorite achievement
is winning the Indoor NCAA 5k at Arkansas. I
was the first hog to win on the new track and the feeling
of floating around that track was awesome. My
second is winning the NCAA 10k in 2001 in Eugene. I
had been in a cast for 10 weeks for an achilles tear. I
only had 10 weeks to prepare for the meet. That
was the most focused I had ever been. My third
is running 15:24 in the 5k, but I hope to have a new
PR soon. My fourth is the the amazing friends
I have made over the years of racing and traveling.
You already raced in Beijing; can you talk
about your first experience there?
I love traveling and racing. I
ran on an Ekiden team in Beijing. The first thing
we noticed when we got off the plane was the number
of people wearing masks. As soon as we inhaled
the air we knew why. The air burned your lungs. We
were told to run early in the morning before the sun
came up and factories started because the air was cleaner
at that time of day.
I loved the experience of the people, culture and food. Every
where we went people were handing us their babies to hold while
they took pictures with us. I would love to go back
and hopefully I will get the chance.
What event(s) are you focusing on for 2008?
I would love to do the 5k but the 10k
is also on my mind. Alberto and I will talk about
it once my training gets back on track.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
Even before Kara won the bronze medal
I was inspired by her return from setbacks and injuries. She
works hard and has an amazing drive for success.
Also, right now Jenny Crain is fighting for her life after being
hit by a car while running. She has an amazing spirit and
is always seeing the positive in every person and situation. She
is a great inspiration for anyone.
In short, what do the Olympic Games mean
to you as a professional athlete?
The Olympic Games have been a dream since
I was 8 years old. Only 3 people make the team
in each distance so there are always great athletes
that are not Olympians. Therefore, I am not setting
the Olympics as a definition of my success. I
am going to train as hard and as smart as I can. I
am going to work with Alberto to become the best athlete
possible and give myself the best chance to make the
team and chase my dream.
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| Daniel Lincoln |
Event: Olympic Steeplechase |
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Credentials: American Record Holder, 3000 meter Steeplechase
(8:08); 4 time NCAA All American; 3 Time USATF Champion
White
Men can JUMP!
Daniel (whose parents were our clients in Greece in 2004) set a new American record in the 3,000m steeplechase
at the 2006 Golden Gala, in Rome, Italy in 2006. Daniel,
who was a four-time NCAA champion and a 14-time All-American
at the University of Arkansas, finished fifth in the race of
16 competitors and crossed the line with a time of 8:08.82. Lincoln
eclipsed the 21-year old American record of 8:09.17, set on Aug.
28, 1985, by National Track & Field Hall of
Famer Henry Marsh.
In 2004, Lincoln established himself as the nation’s leading steeplechaser
with his win at the Olympic Trials and 11th- place finish at the Olympic Games
in Athens. His trials victory in 8:15.02 was the fastest by an American in 2004. Daniel's parents were Ludus clients in Athens, Greece.
Daniel is one of the great white hopes in an event dominated by Africans. But what is truly amazing about Daniel is that he's had record setting seasons while completed his MD at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. Yes, that's right...by the time Beijing rolls around, you might have to call him Dr. Lincoln! |
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