April 8, 2009
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara outdoor track and field teams are on a record setting pace. Last weekend four school records were broken at the Johnny Mathis Invitational, and more are expected to fall as the season progresses.
Beginning this week, we will highlight many of the star Bronco track and field athletes on campus. The first is junior Joanna Gistand. Gistand is a Liberal Studies major from Oakland, California.
Gistand is coming off a strong weekend at the Johnny Mathis Invitational, where she set personal records in the 100m hurdles, and the 100m.
SCU: How old were you when you first started running track/ cross country?
JG: I ran when I was 8 for a year, and then in high school for all four years.
SCU: What is your biggest accomplishment in track/ cross country?
JG: I think my biggest accomplishment is yet to come. This season is already proving to be better than the lasts, so I'll let you know when the season's over.
SCU: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
JG: This season, I plan to continue to lower my times in all of my events and to rank well within the conference.
SCU: What track athlete inspires you the most?
JG: Gail Devers is an amazing athlete. She has been through so much physically and mentally. Although she does not compete now, competing at 40 in the Olympics is something we can all admire. She is also 5'2 (or close to it). Anyone who thinks short people can't hurdle....
SCU: What is your favorite part about track?
JG: Nothing compares to track meets. The atmosphere, the competition, and the anxiousness are things I will miss when I graduate.
SCU: Did you watch the Olympics in Beijing? Which track athlete impressed you?
JG: I watched the Olympics. I was really rooting for LoLo Jones, unfortunately she fell. (Usain) Bolt is an amazing talent and I look forward to seeing what he will do in the future.
SCU: How is the season going for you so far?
JG: This season is going really well. I love our coach, and I have noticed both mental and physical improvement.
SCU: If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?
JG: I would run at all of the tracks where the Olympics have taken place.
