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2013 IAAF World Chamnpionships - Moscow, Russia - Photo Story

Maria Michta

What is the difference to you in making a World Championship team from making the Olympics or World Cup? How does each differ?

Every Team is a great honor to make and I am always proud to wear the USA jersey and represent our Country. Obviously an Olympic Team is the ultimate dream and is often the hardest to make because it only happens every four years. While my entire Olympic experience was a dream come true each trip along the way marked a new level of success whether it was my first senior World Cup Team in Russia back in 2008, or my first senior World Championship Team in Daegu in 2011. This time making the World Championship Team marks a success not just individually but a first for US Womens race walking as it is the first time we are sending a full roster of three women, all with A Standards in the 20k. This is huge for our event as a whole!

What are your goals for this race as an athlete?

My number one concern is to race my best for whatever the conditions allow. If it is good weather then better my previous best of 1:32:27 from last years Olympic Games. If it is hot and humid then it'll still be the same competing race and I will have to focus more on my overall place. I was 30th in 2011 and 29th last year, even one place faster would be a huge accomplishment as the field as a whole had grown much stronger and deeper each successive year. 

How does it feel to have your coach racing along side you?

Well I'm not really sure, Tim had never gotten the chance to pace me in a race. He won't here as he is racing Sunday and I Tuesday but it will be great to
hear him out on the course when I race. He was there in London where we had a huge PR and it will be great to have him calling splits next week too!

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