BEIJING, China- As the 2008 Beijing Olympics grow closer, New Mexico State track and field head coach Orin Richburg has his hands full. However, he is still finding time to message Las Cruces and give up-to-date information of what’s going on as he prepares for the games.
Can you believe that the opening ceremony is already here?
“You know everything always goes very fast when you are involved with something like this. I am really looking forward to the opening ceremony. It is always amazing to see all the athletes, in many sports, from around the globe. The atmosphere is indescribable.”
What have you been doing with the relay teams since you arrived?
“We have had meets in Stockholm, London and Monte Carlo before arriving here, in Dalian, China. While at the meets we have had the opportunity to watch the small pool of athletes compete and were able to run two teams of each gender. Both of the teams had good success and great efforts at all three events.
“The training camp is in Dalian and is for preparations for the start of Track and Field which begins August, 15. The relays are the last two days of the competition so we have a while."
Why do you have so many meets before the Olympics?
“Our series of meets prior to Games gives us an opportunity to try and fix things that may have gone wrong in the past.
“We have run a series of domestic relays in March and April with the athletes that have been ranked on our USA top-10 list. This gives us a chance to put together different combinations to see what type of chemistry is involved in the groups. Once the team is selected at the trials and pre-Olympic events, than we have a better idea of who is going to be selected and can start putting together groups for oversea workouts before the Games.”
Since you are the head coach, do you have your hands full with all of the athletes?
“Athletes that are in individual races have a personal coach that is always with them to give them the direction they need.
“After watching the pre-Olympic races and individual races at the games, then the coaching staff tries to put together the best relay possible. Each group of athletes brings their own agenda and talent to the table which makes it hard to choose from.”
How do you feel coming into the games?
“The eyes of the World is focused on the Olympics and the coaching staff hopes that the preparations that have bee completed are the ones that will win us the gold.”
Talk about this experience verses past ones...
“This is my second Olympic Games and I had the good fortune of being on several World Championships staff indoors and outdoors as well Pan American Games on both the junior and senior levels, along with relays at major international competitions.
“What I am saying is that this is always an honor to represent your country and to be chosen by your peers is always special .You are always excited to be involved at the higher level in your career path. However, it’s hard for me to compare any of my experiences because they are all so different and special to me.”
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
