University of Minnesota Athletics
Catching Up with Gopher Alum Gabrielle Anderson
9/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Sept. 8, 2011
Gophersports.com caught up with Anderson to see how her summer overseas went and what her future plans might be. Anderson set many PR’s and got to see another part of the world representing Team USA Minnesota.
Gophersports.com: Explain your experience running overseas this summer representing yourself, Team USA Minnesota?
Gabriele Anderson: This summer I was lucky enough to extend my track season and compete abroad in Belgium, Italy, and England. I am currently sponsored by Brooks and also a member of Team USA Minnesota, and both of those entities supported me in my trip to Europe. Many international track & field athletes take a trip to Europe to get experience in the prestigious Diamond League events, or just chase new personal bests. Last year I took a short trip to Europe and competed just twice, while this year I was lucky enough to be able to spend a month in Europe and race six times.
GS: How does it feel to set new PRs overall as well as overseas?
GA: It has been great to gain international experience competing in Europe, as the top Americans and international track and field athletes will find that the "biggest stage" is usually not going to be in their home country. The World Championships and Olympic Games are often outside the US, and often not even on this continent, so it is an important experience for any aspiring athlete to learn how to compete -- and compete at their best -- internationally. For me, to set personal bests four times in Europe in three different events is a good indicator that I'll be able to do well on the international stage in the future -- hopefully in a USA uniform!
GS: Out of your new PRs, does one stand out the most, like have you been aiming highly on improving in a certain race?
GA: I set personal bests in the 1500m in Padova, Italy on July 17th (4:10.15), in the 5000m in Lignano, Italy on July 19th (15:45.99), in the 800m in Gent, Belgium on July 30th (2:03.03), and finally in the 1500m again on August 6th in London (4:06.77). It is always a great sign when you set a new PR, so I have to admit that I was really happy each time I was able to do so! I've learned that it is important to recognize when you have a really great opportunity to run fast! It's not every race that you are gifted with a fast field of other competitors, ideal weather, and also having the "intangibles" on your side. But the race that stands out to me is the 1500m race in London -- my final European race. This race wasn't initially on my schedule in Europe, but it was such a great opportunity to run in a world-class field that I couldn't turn it down! This was my first time competing at a Diamond League Race, this one being the Aviva London Grand Prix, so I was very excited to get to compete with such great runners at the Crystal Palace. I ended up running a big personal best -- almost 4 seconds! I had felt all summer that under the right conditions I could get close to the Olympic 'A' (4:06.00) or 'B' standard (4:08.90), and I finally got my chance. It was a great way to end my season in Europe and a great way to build confidence going into the Olympic year in 2012.
GS: How was the overall experience running overseas?
GA: It was a great European season for me, overall. I feel so lucky to be supported by Brooks and Team USA Minnesota because without them, I wouldn't have been able to chase those PRs in Europe. The international experience is priceless and I know it will benefit me as I continue to pursue my dreams of representing the USA in the Olympics and World Championships!
GS: What is your plan now and in the future for your running career?
GA: I will finish this season racing on the roads in September. I will be racing the Minnesota Mile on September 11, 2011 in Duluth, MN. I am considering running the USA 5k Road Championships in Providence, Rhode Island on September 18th. I will finish my season at the Continental Airlines 5th Avenue Mile in New York City on September 24th. Then, I will take a break and focus on training for the 2012 Olympic Trials! I am hoping to continue setting personal bests and hopefully earn a chance to represent the USA in international competitions!
By: Athletic Communications Assistant Michael Levy
