SportsAsToldByAGirl’s Interview with Shot Put Diva Michelle Carter

Recently, Sports As Told By A Girl got a chance to catch up with Shot Put Diva Michelle Carter.  Carter is coming off a huge win at this year’s Olympics, becoming the first woman to win gold in the shot put event since the event was added to the Olympics in 1948.  Only one other American woman, Earlene Brown, has ever even placed in the event.  Despite being so busy with traveling, Carter was able to answer a few questions about what she has planned for the future, if she plans on competing in Tokyo in 2020, and much more!

You have obviously been very busy traveling around the world, what have you been up to since your incredible win?

After my win in Rio I had a few more competitions in Europe Budapest, Lausanne, and Brussels. Since I have been back in the US I attended the Harpers Bazaar Icon celebration and a few events at fashion week. Appeared on the Chelsea Show and Getting ready to attend the Emmy’s.

How did you get involved in shot put? 

I got involved in Shot put by trying something I have never done before.

Where do you plan on keeping your medal? 

I plan on keeping my medal in the case in a safe location.

Even though the games just ended, I still have to ask if you have thoughts about competing in 2020 in Tokyo? 

I do plan on competing all the way though 2021. I know that I have more to give and Im not stopping yet.

What were your plans if you didn’t make the Olympics? 

If I didn’t make the Olympic team I was going to take a much needed rest and get ready for World Championships for 2017.

Who did you feel was your biggest competition?

Not only did I have to Compete against the reigning 2x Olympic Champion Valerie Adams I felt that I was my biggest competition. If I started thinking negative thoughts and doubting myself I would take myself out of the competition before it even started. I knew that I have done the work and knew that when I am focused that I am the only one who can stop me.

What would be your advice to future competitors on best preparing for the Shot Put competition, and the Olympics as a whole?

My advice is to never give up and to push yourself. Success does not happen over night. It takes may days of practice, many days of not winning, many days when your body aches so bad that you don’t want to get out of bed but you have to. The Days when you don’t want to is the days you should. I had may days where things did not go my way and I had to pull myself together and do it again. Never give up and keep pushing yourself.

What projects are you working on now? 

I am currently working on my camp named You Throw Girl Sports Confidence Camp. It a Confidence camp for Young Female Athletes Jr. High and up. We encourage and empower Young Female athletes to be the best they can be. Also to accept everything that they are. We will discuss topics like Body image, Self confidence, Goal setting, How to fuel you body properly, Why lifting weights is great for you, and Personal Hygiene.

Whose performance were you the most impressed by during the Olympics? 

Briana Rollins, Nia Ali,  and Kristi Castlin. I know each lady and knowing the hard work they put in and to watch them make history together was amazing.

 How much has family played a role in your success? 

Family has played a big part in my success. I know that my family has my back no matter what. They only want the best for me and they continually push me to be my best.

After losing at the Olympic Trials in 2012, did you make any notable changes in preparation to make sure you would become the most elite female Shot-putter?

I made sure that I made everything I did count towards my goal. Meaningless time with friends and to hang out. Not being able to eat whatever I wanted when I wanted. Needing more rest by going to bed early. I took my job more seriously and those who didn’t take my job seriously to had to wait. I had to do what I felt was best for me to do to make sure I set myself up to be my best.