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Chat Reel: Stacy Dragila
Pole vaulter has a busy post-Olympics schedule
Posted: Monday June 18, 2001 5:54 PM
Updated: Monday June 18, 2001 6:40 PM
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Stacy Dragila will be competing in the 2001 Goodwill Games. Darren England/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Stacy Dragila. Welcome and thanks for joining us!
Stacy Dragila: Thanks it's good to be here.
From Brad Ries in Littleton, Colo.: At what age did you start pole vaulting?
Stacy Dragila: I was 23 years old.
From Steve Connolly in Brisbane, Australia: Hi Stacy, Do you think five meters is within your range soon? And does Tatiana Grigorieva have any chance of keeping up with you?
Stacy Dragila: I think five meters is the mark we are chasing right now. I think it is doable. Whether this is the year or next, it will depend on the improvement in our technique and speed on the runway. And in terms of Tatiana, I think everyone has the ability. If you can put your jumps together is the question. But she is a great athlete.
From platinum: Hello Stacy, now that you've got the gold in Sydney, what other goals do you aim to accomplish? What drives you and what major obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
Stacy Dragila: Well, my goal for this year is to jump 16 feet, which is 4 meters-88. The major obstacle I overcame was back in '97 going in to '98, I broke my foot. And there were some questions as to if I would come back. I went through surgery and had two screws put in my foot. And through rehab I was able to overcome that injury. I made it to the Games and won the gold.
From Wo: Having been a professional for some time, what do you think of the suggestion of Bob Kennedy that Alan Webb become a professional athlete out of high school, foregoing college?
Stacy Dragila: I guess it depends on what Alan's dreams and goals are. Maybe he wants to go to school and win NCAA's. I think going through the college system you are used and abused, the way you have to run relays and other events that may not be your specialty. I guess Alan wants to go to college to be part of a team before he becomes a professional.
From Kevin Awaya in Canberra, ACT Australia: What was it like competing in a full Stadium Australia going head-to-head with an Australian?
Stacy Dragila: It was awesome. The best memories I have are being in that stadium after Tatiana had jumped. And then I stood up in the stadium and the crown got behind me. I was very grateful for the fact that the crowd was there for the competition and not just to cheer for a favorite. It is a memory I will never forget.
From Joe Hakes in Wenham, Mass.: How did you get started with the pole vault, given that this has been traditionally a males only event?
Stacy Dragila: I was a heptathlete going into college. My coach, who was pole vaulter in the 70's, had heard about the European women in the pole vault and said that it would be a good opportunity. So I tried it and kinda feel in love with it over time.
From Anabelle Donovon in Houston, Texas: Which other athletes do you admire?
Stacy Dragila: I guess I admire athletes that are humble about what they do, not the ones who are about themselves. I think some athletes get caught up in the hype. I admire the athletes who are grateful for where they are at and give back to the fans.
From Kristi in Dallas, Texas: Did you grow up playing any team sports? And if so, is it tough competing in an individual sport?
Stacy Dragila: I played volleyball in high school and I enjoyed the team atmosphere. At times it is hard in an individual sport because you can't count on your teammates. But I like the individual aspect because you don't have to worry about someone else. You just have to worry about yourself.
From David Nagelberg in East Brunswick, N.J.: Stacy - Hope you get over the 16' mark real soon. What is the difference in a pole you will use to clear 16' compared to a pole the men use at 19'plus?
Stacy Dragila: It's bigger and it's a lot heavier -- the pole for the men. But right now I'm trying to use some bigger poles, and the poles I use now will help me get over that mark. I'm not using 14' 7" poles. What I will need to do to get over that 16' is to run fast on the runway and put my technique together, which is what we are working on now.
From hello: Do you have any superstitions?
Stacy Dragila: I don't. In high school I was caught up with certain things. In competitions now sometimes you can't bring your walkman or warm up in certain areas. So it's hard to stick to a certain routine. So having superstitions can work against you.
From Jeff Sanders in Fairfield, Ohio: Hi Stacy, you are very pretty with an athletic figure and a great smile. Have you pondered marketing yourself as an athlete/model similar to what Gabrielle Reece and Suzy Favor-Hamilton have done?
Stacy Dragila: Well, thank you that is very nice. Yes, we are doing some things now. I've been in magazines and had different photo shoots. I've signed with Nike and they are looking for me to do things that are not centered around my sport.
From Chris Schneider in Ludington, Mich.: With high school girls now vaulting 10'+, do you think the women's gold record by the end of the next Olympics can be 17' or above?
Stacy Dragila: I think it is possible with the curve we have set. And I hope to be the person to do it.
From Wo: Are you competing at the upcoming U.S. Championships in Eugene?
Stacy Dragila: I am. I'm hoping to hold on to my title. This would be my fifth title. And by doing that I will join the world team in Edmonton, Canada later in August. I will also go to Europe in Rome for a grand prix meet and then onto the Yugoslavia and then I will come home. Next I will go to Stockholm and then to London. So this is great chance for me to compete against the world's best competitors. After the World's we will go to Australia for the Goodwill Games and the Grand Prix Final in Melbourne. After that I will go on holiday somewhere in Australia. But I'm not telling my location (laughs).
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Stacy Dragila. Thanks for joining us and good luck in the Goodwill Games.
Stacy Dragila: Thanks for having me.
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