2004 Olympian Carrie Tollefson visits FVHS to talk to the track and field team about her experiences as an athlete.

By Titus Jahng, managing editor
Saturday, March 31, 2007

The FVHS track and field team was treated to a special session with motivational speaker Carrie Tollefson, who ran the 1500m in the 2004 Olympics.

Runners, throwers, jumpers, and hurdlers assembled on the field on Thursday to hear Tollefson, who boats an impressive running résumé that includes being a 13-time Minnesota high school champion, a 5-time NCAA champion, and a 3-time national champion.

Tollefson began by talking about her experiences as a high school athlete and her determination to succeed. Despite setbacks and encouragements, she had never given up, and she encouraged her audience on Thursday to do the same.

After she had finished her speech, Tollefson opened the next fifteen minutes to questions, which ranged from “what is your favorite drink?” (Cherry Coke) to “how fast did you run in high school?” ( 4:53 in the mile, 10:30 in the 2-mile) to “do you ever get nervous when you step to the starting line?” (Yes!).

Most students enjoyed listening to Tollefson, especially the cross-country girls, who found Tollefson's example inspirational.

“She was inspiring,” says junior Lizzy Coe, a Division I girls cross-country state champion. “She decided to be great at such an early age, made a dream, and chased it for many years.”

Her sister, senior Molly Coe, agrees. “She was really upbeat and personable. I thought that with running all the time, she would be tired and dull. But she was a happy person. I want to be like her.”

Tollefson is competing in the Adidas Track Classic at the Home Depot Center on May 20. Tollefson also hopes to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

Despite busy schedule, the Wired Baron was able to spend a few minutes to ask some questions of its own. Read the full interview below.

INTERVIEW WITH 2004 OLYMPIAN CARRIE TOLLEFSON:

Why running? What is so good about the sport?

I think it's one of the truest sports; you basically start, and who can get to the finish line the fastest is the winner; it's pretty basic. You don't need anyone else to help you, there are no time-outs, it's basically to see what you're made of by yourself.

And what has running taught you about yourself?

It taught me the most about how tough an individual can be when they really want something, how hard you can push yourself. It's pretty amazing what we can actually do. Some people can just float through life, but when you're in the sport of track and field, you can't just float along, because there's always someone that's wanting to take your place.

Speaking of competition, how was your experience in the Olympics?

It was pretty amazing. I was the second person out of the finals, which is something that was sitting in my gut – not a very pleasant feeling. But I think that's one reason we love this sport; you can always do better. And getting to the Olympics is something I strive to do again in 2008, to hopefully go back and do even better.

When an athlete steps on the line, why is there such a fear of losing?

I think failure for everyone is a hard thing to take. For me, when I put my whole heart and soul into something, and it doesn't up in the way I want it... but there's only one winner in every race. You have to come away thinking of the good and the bad, and I think people have to realize that if they're trying their best, it's not a failure. All of us should do that: making sure you push yourself as much as you can.

How did you do in school, and what advice do you have for student athletes?

Athletic and academics and music for me – I had the same mentality for all of them, and I wanted to be the best in everything I did. And I still want to do the best in everything I do. Academics are first and foremost, obviously, because without your schooling, you don't have anything. But it went hand in hand with wanting to be a good athlete; I wanted to be a very good student, and I wanted to be a very good violinist, or trumpet player, or whatever it may be. If you can think about it as being competitive in whatever field you are in you are going to do great things.

You seem to have a lot of jobs: running, broadcasting, speaking, and advertising. Which is your favorite?

I really enjoy doing photo shoots and being in magazines – just being in front of the camera. Nothing is better than running for me, regardless of whether I'm winning or losing. Just being able to do that is my true passion. But I love being front of the camera, whether it be talking into a microphone or just smiling really big. It's a lot of fun.

Thank you so much for your time, and good luck in the Olympics.

No problem. Thank you.

2004 Olympian Carrie Tollefson speaks to an attentive audience of track and field athletes.

Tollefson signing her autograph for an excited group of athletes.