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Frerichs savors chance to celebrate silver medal in hometown and inspire others

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Upon the return of U.S. Olympic steeplechase silver medalist Courtney Frerichs to her hometown of Nixa this week, sports editor Pat Dailey engaged in a Q’s and A’s session with the 2011 Nixa grad:

Q: I understand there are a couple great stories regarding your teachers at Nixa and your Olympic dream as a child. Can you share those?

Frerichs: Often times in school, you write about (yourself) and it would be like a “Dreams Of…” I dreamed of going to the Olympics at a very young age. So, I always wrote about going to the Olympics. At 10-11 years old, I was already telling myself that was possible. My sixth-grade teacher, (Terri) Crouse saved my piece of paper and sent it to me a few weeks ago. That was pretty amazing.

My fifth-grade teacher, (LaDonna) Hunt, was also Terin Humphrey’s fifth-grade teacher when she taught in Kansas City. When Mr. Hunt learned I did gymnastics (as a fifth-grader), she got me (Humphreys’) autograph. That small momento was so special to me. It told me I could go to the Olympics, too, because (Humphreys) was a fifth-grader also taught by Mrs. Hunt.

Those small connections like that give a lot of inspiration. That’s a big part of why I like to come back here. I like to make those connections and share my story. I love sharing that with kids. Sometimes, there is this idea there is only one way to get to a certain accomplishment. There are so many paths to find success and it’s about finding your own path to success. 

Q: In regard to COVID-19, everyday life here in Missouri is pretty much back to normal. But I understand where you train with the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon, many regulations still are in place. What’s it like for you to be here and most people are not wearing a mask?

Frerichs: It’s a little overwhelming, to be honest. For me, I’m pretty cautious with it all. As an athlete, you want to stay away from (the virus).

Q: Are you currently in off-season mode?

Frerichs: I’m on a break right now and taking some time off from running. I’m taking time to celebrate everything. I’m excited to take in everything that happened. That’s an important part of it all, too. I have a tendency to re-set my goals and think about what is next. Taking a minute to appreciate and celebrate with those around me is really special.

Q: I see you are enjoying a coffee from Starbucks. Is that something you can only have in the off-season and what are some foods or drinks you are allowing yourself to have at this time?

Frerichs: I drink a lot of coffee. We always joke that the more miles you run, the amount of coffee consumption goes up. I’ve been heading up to Andy’s (Frozen Custard) since I got back. I have a sponsorship with Hiland Dairy and they sent me a bunch of ice cream to celebrate. That was awesome.

I appreciate those little things that maybe I don’t get to do when I’m training. And, it’s nice to give the body some rest. It’s also nice I can spend this time here going around and seeing friends versus always thinking about training.

Q: When you are training, how much discipline and dedication is involved in being a world-class athlete?

Frerichs: Every part of my day is factored into how it is going to affect my running. There are things when I look back in high school that I didn’t understand, like maybe sleeping eight hours a night is really beneficial and how I am fueling myself throughout the day. I live a pretty regimented life and I enjoy it. I like that focus and the routine. It’s been a learning process in terms of knowing the routine that works for me.

Q: Are you preparing to make a run at a third Olympics berth in four years?

Frerichs: Actually it’s three years this time, with Paris in 2024. Absolutely. I believe that I’m finding my stride and starting to reach my peak age in the sport. I’m excited to keep going after it. There is this idea that your best years are when you are younger. But there is maturity that comes with being a little older. I think that is going to carry me these next few years and hopefully I contend for more medals. We have the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, next year that I’m super excited about. Obviously, I’ll have a big goal of trying to win gold in front of a home crowd.

Q: What is considered the peak ages in the steeplechase?

Frerichs: With women’s distance running, late 20s and early 30s is when you start to hit your peak. I’m moving into that age. We knew Tokyo was potentially going to be a good opportunity for me because of where I lined up age-wise. I look at everything I’ve learned and it has me excited to keep moving forward. I don’t think I’m done. I want to continue to carry things forward.

Q: Of course, due to COVID-19 regulations, fans were not allowed at the Olympics this year in Tokyo. What would it mean to you compete in front of an Olympic crowd again, as you did in Rio in 2016?

Frerichs: I want to get back to an Olympics games where we have a more normal experience. Obviously, I’m so grateful for everything we were able to have in Tokyo. I had an endless amount of gratitude just standing at the starting line, with the opportunity we had. But it was certainly sad not to share it with so many people who have been such a big part of it. I’m looking forward to racing in front of crowds. You certainly reach a whole ‘nother level of energy and motivation when you hear the crowd going wild. I certainly felt that at the Prefontaine Classic (in August).

Q: What do you remember most about your experience in Tokyo?

Frerichs: The thing I’m most proud of is who I was in that race. I was fully committed to being the best version of myself that day, regardless of the outcome. It can be scary to really put yourself out there and commit to taking a race and making it what you need to be successful.

Q: What are you feelings when you hold your silver medal? 

Frerichs: It's so surreal. Every time I put it on I think, ‘Oh my gosh, this is real.’ It’s still such a dream come true. Making the Olympic team five years ago was such a dream come true. But I walked away knowing I wanted to put all the work in I possibly could to win an Olympic medal. This is something I’m going to have the rest of my life. I’m pretty proud.


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