In October 2011, we had the pleasure to host Alicia’s family in Guadalajara for the 2011 Pan American Games. And what a blast we had getting to know the family and share the cheers and excitement of Alicia winning the gold medal in Javelin at her first Pan American Games! Alicia kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us about track & field, travel and their experience at Pan Ams. Keep reading to find out more!
Photo Courtesy of Luis Acosta
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What are your competition goals for 2012? What will you do once you achieve these?
My competition goals for 2012 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 London. 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……
9. What is your favorite Track & 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.
10. What is your prediction for Team USA in London?
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!
11. 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.
12. 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.
