When you look back at everything you did in your career, what sort of felt like a turning point for you?

I would say the turning point was really my freshman year here at UCLA.

Even though I was a multi-eventer and I really loved the long jump.

And I was having some real difficult time in jumping just 20 feet.

And I was thinking, oh, the coaches are not good, you know.

And I remember calling my high school coach and I was saying, oh, I think I want to transfer.

And he was like...

You know what, I, you know, because a lot of people

I guess what does it mean to you to, I guess, let now personally have an Olympic team trials come home to this region?

You know, I, I think it's, uh, a really, um, a compliment to the local organizing committee, you know, one, to put the athletes first.

I think when you look at, uh, the competitors or the, the Midwest is a good location, easy to get to.

And then also when I think of the conditions, I'm just adding to some of the things, uh, what Mark was saying about what could have taken them over the, uh, the edge.

You know? Because I think both, uh, candidates were great, but, uh, for me as an athlete and competing this time of the year and, you know, we can't control what Mother Nature is gonna, gonna do.

But, uh, to be an athlete once upon a time and, and to be from the area, uh, it is just a moment of celebration to be able to experience something that you would never forget.

And then also for it to be somewhat in, in my backyard where I grew up, and just to play a small part of that, I am very, I'm very honored.

I guess what do you want the runners who are showing up to St. Louis to know about the community that's gonna support them on that day?