Chealsea Johnson Interview on Trackshark.com

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http://www.trackshark.com/interviews/20 ... ohnson.php

Interviews : Chelsea Johnson of UCLA

by Tom Borish (1/17/05)


1. You really had an outstanding 2004 season which saw you claim the NCAA Outdoor title and breaking the NCAA Outdoor record at the Stanford Invitational, jumping 15-0. Looking back on last season, what were some of the highs and lows that you experienced?


Last season was definitely full of extreme highs and lows. Highs include jumping 14’9 for the first time outdoors at a home meet with my dad, teammates and all of my friends there. Also winning the team title at nationals, was one of the most special track experiences I’ve ever had. The lows of the season are definitely more clear in my mind, which include getting second at indoors and the month long slump I had during May.


2. Also placing fourth at the U.S. Olympic Trials (14-9) and just missing a spot on the Olympic Team, what was that experience like for you and what did you learn the most?


The trials experience was definitely a learning experience for me as a competitor. I now feel that because of that meet I’ll be able to handle most pressure situations with composure.


3. How did your fall training go as you now prepare for the indoor season?


The majority of my fall training this year was spent doing re-hab, due to a torn meniscus in my left knee that I had surgery on at the end of September. I have only had about 5 vaulting practices, which have consisted mainly on short run technique drills.


4. For all of those athletes wanting to learn about the pole vault, describe your approach on the runway and anything technical that you make sure you do before clearing the bar.


For those who want to learn pole vault the best advice I could give you is to not try and grip too high too early or get on the biggest pole possible. Learn the basic techniques before you try and set a world record. What I focus on while running down the run way is getting my hands up early to prepare myself for take off.


5. Former UCLA pole vault standout Anthony Curran, who is now your coach and one of the assistants for the Bruins, has had tremendous success from coaching athletes like yourself, Tracy O'Hara, Erica Hoernig and many more. What do you find the best about his coaching style and how much has he helped you succeed to where you are today?


Anthony’s coaching attributes that have made him so successful are his attention to the fine details in each individual athlete of his. He knows his athletes vaults so well, which enables him to critic you and explain what he wants you to change in terms you will be able to apply to your vault. I do attribute alot of the success I've had so far to Anthony because he is primarily the one responsible for helping me make the transition from a good athlete to now a good vaulter.


6. It was one of the best NCAA Outdoor team races in recent memory as you helped lead UCLA to the 2004 title. How did it feel to come out on top, not only in your event, but as a team as well?


To be honest, I was much more excited to win the overall team championship than I was to win the individual title. The team title meant more to me because I have seen how hard each girl on that team had worked October through June, and how much we came together through the year to form a strong supportive unit for one another. I have always felt track is such an individual sport, that is until last year when the unity between all the girls was very hard to over look and not become a part of.


7. Is it difficult at all for you to adjust to the indoor venue and competition considering you practice outside year-round?


The adjustment from outdoor pole vaulting to indoor is not a hard adjustment whatsoever, in fact it is a relief. It is so nice going to a meet and not having to worry about the wind or whether or not its going to rain. The only bad thing about the indoor season is if you have a bad day you have nothing like the weather to blame it on besides yourself.


8. What are some of your ultimate goals and expectations heading into this season and beyond?


The goals that I have in mind for myself for this season are to jump 15’5, or of course higher! Long term vaulting goals are to make the 2008 Olympic team, and to eventually vault to my potential.


9. As the daughter of 1972 Olympic pole vault bronze medalist and 1971 U.S. Outdoor Champion Jan Johnson, how much as your father been an influence to you on and off the track?


My dad has influenced me as a competitor in that he taught me to relax and have confidence no matter who I am vaulting against. He has taught me that everyone has bad days, weeks, months and it is all apart of the learning experience that will make me a stronger more focused vaulter in the long run. Off the track he has taught me that success and happiness aren’t about the amount of money you make, or the materialistic items you own, rather its about surrounding yourself with people you care about and making the most out of everyday.


10. Do you keep in touch with some of the elite athletes in your event, such as Stacy Dragila and Kellie Suttle? If so, what do you learn from them and what does it feel like to be a part of that group who has cleared at least 15-feet?


The only elite girls I keep in touch with are Mary Saur and Tracey Ohara because they train at UCLA right before I do. It is such an honor for me to be considered amoung those elite girls because I respect them so much as vaulters and friends.


11. What are some of the best moments you have experienced as a student-athlete at UCLA so far?


The best moments that I have experienced here at UCLA so far have been the times I have spent with all of the life long friends I have made while at school. Whether those times are going to the beach, hanging out at our apartments or going out, there have been many great times that I will forever cherish.