Q&A With Tasha Danvers - Your Questions Answered!

Tasha very kindly agreed to a Q&A session via twitter.
After winning the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics it is a great opportunity to have an insight into the life of an athlete.

Below are the questions put forward by members of v2 together with Tasha's answers.

Growing up,who did you look up to?
If i'm honest, i'd have to say nobody. I ran bcoz i was good at it. My admiration for other athletes came when i was older and knew more about what it takes to be great.

What is your favorite memory of the Olympics?
Hard to say there r many. Christine O kept me on the edge of my seat with her great win in 08.

How hard is the fitness routine you followed?
I have a new coach now so the training is different and that's basically whatz hard... adjusting to a new program.

How has your build-up towards the season been coming along and what are
your prospects for the season?
Been a rough ride. surgery last year, new coach, new program etc, how the next few weeks go will determine a lot.

When is your first international competition
is going to be?
TBA

What does a typical day look like for a athlete like yourself (ie diet and training regime)?
wow how long do u have... in a nutshell
up
eat
track or gym
snack
circuits
home
eat
(workout)
eat
bed
repeat the above

What will you do once you retire from athletics?
I'd like to get into television, doing fun silly stuff like i do on facebook/youtube and will be doing when my site goes up. tv presenting/hosting interests me, public speaking and working with kids.

Was it hard taking coaching from your husband?
In the beginning stages it was very hard being coached by my ex husband. When u know so much about someone itz hard to switch from partners to boss/employee for lack of a better word.

What are your memories of school sports?
Loved school sports, trampolining and netball were some of my favs

What led you to try out hurdling for the first time?
I was initially trying to run the 100m but people realised i was good at a lot of things so pushed me towards becoming a pentathlete. My hurdle technique wasn't so great so my club took me to a hurdles coach. Long story short he said i had to quit the multi events or he wouldn't coach me. I was too scared to say no and the rest is history. lol

What keeps your spirits up when you're injured?
Believing that my success has a bigger purpose than just pleasing myself and therefore has to work out.


What was the last book you read?
Jackie Collins - Married Lovers
&
Deepak Chopra - 7 Spiritual Laws of Success


If you only beat one person at the Olympics, who would you want that one person to be!?
A boy definitely asked this question lol
I really don't know... i did honestly try to come up with someone but i really dont care about anyone else enough to think about that. I just don't really think that way. I try to just do my best for myself, for those that depend on me, those that look up to me and those that have supported me for so long.

How much stretching do you do before & after each session?
I'd say 20 to 30 mins before and whatever is needed after. My whole warm up takes approximately 75-90 minutes

How do you plan your year? Assume based on major champs, but do you have a full year plan for different training or change the plan every few weeks?
Injuries aside, a season will b planned from the major champ backwards. Figuring out what meets/ and training need to be done in the weeks and months preceding. Plans usually only change when things happened differently from ur original plan, whether that be good or bad.

How do you set your targets? Are they time or place targets?
Both depending on the meet, the level of competition, my fitness and the overall or long term goal. Keeping things in perspective is key.

Where does your coach add value? technique? fitness? diet? mental prep? etc
knowledge
experience
support
insight
accountability

Before a race, how do you mentally prepare?
Depends on the meet and what my goals are but i try to keep positive and relaxed and trust in my training

What are your thoughts on the Olympics?
Love it... some of the best experiences i've had. Wouldn't trade it

A big thanks goes out to Tasha from all of us here at 606v2. Your a star!

Great interview - thanks to Tasha.

If you only beat one person at the Olympics, who would you want that one person to be!?
A boy definitely asked this question lol
I really don't know... i did honestly try to come up with someone but i really dont care about anyone else enough to think about that. I just don't really think that way. I try to just do my best for myself, for those that depend on me, those that look up to me and those that have supported me for so long.

That was my question! I knew I was a genius!

Well done mate - brilliant stuff.

I really enjoyed reading that, I don't actually know who she is, but it's always good to get a view into the life of a sportsperson.

Brilliant work YI! Some good answers in there.

Lets get rooney next. I want to ask him about his hair transplantation.

Well done getting your question in there. Very interesting. At the age of 33 I guess 2012 Olympics might be her swan song?

Thanks for teh chance to ask an Olympian some questions. Good responses too...

I guess it depends on how far she can see herself going at top level, Nore Staat. I'd like to think that she could carry on for one more Olympic cycle.

By the way, a big thanks to Tasha for kindly replying to all these questions. :-)