Michelle Carter - Q&A

Athletes are still keeping busy, but finding time to answer a few questions for us to help their fans get to know them better. This is our third installment with two-time Olympian, 2016 Rio Olympic Gold Medalist and 12-time USATF Champion, Michelle Carter.
 
USATF: What is your favorite competition memory so far? 
Carter: My favorite competition memory is from the 2016 Olympic Games after I won gold and I started to see Team USA staff, teammates and media and felt the love when they celebrated with me. 
 
I remember seeing Kerron Clement and he said “You won now it's my turn,” and to watch him do it was amazing. We have been on every team together and we won together. 
 
USATF: How do you overcome adversity, especially now when things are so NOT normal?
Carter: I overcome adversity by focusing on what I can control. Right now the government is making rules that we have to follow and I can’t go to the gym so I am doing at home workouts and working on small issues I don’t always get to focus on. Mentally the goal is the same but the plan is a little different. Keeping my eyes on my goal. 
 
USATF: What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your sport? 
Carter: I am passionate about building others up. I get to do this in multiple ways. I do makeup that builds up others by making them feel beautiful. I have my You Throw Girl Sports Confidence Camp that builds confidence in young female athletes in who they are on and off the field. 
 
I’m a motivational speaker, which gives me a chance to share how I was able to overcome many challenges to reach my goals and give them uplifting tangible ideas to be their very best. 
 
USATF: What is your favorite recipe/movie/playlist?
Carter: Recipe: Banana Pudding. Movie: Parent Trap (1961). Playlist: I'm making a You Throw Girl Playlist and do need help with more songs.
 
USATF: How do you adjust your eating/nutrition habits when on the road so much?
Carter: I make sure that I am eating nutritionally dense food and drink tons of water. I drink about 1 and half gallon a day on the road. 
 
USATF: What’s your favorite exercise you can do at home, at a hotel or at the airport? 
Carter: Stretching is key. When traveling you end up doing a lot of sitting and waiting. Stretching is something you can do in many forms. It keeps your body feeling good.
 
USATF: Celebrity crush?
Carter: I don’t really have a crush but would want to go on a date with Nick Cannon. That was before I was married.
 
USATF: What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of your event?
Carter: Strength equals beauty and that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. Women who throw and have all the muscles and six packs but we are very athletic to create tons of power in a 7ft circle. 
 
USATF: What do you remember about your first competition, and when was it?
Carter: I don’t remember my first competition but I remember my very first Junior Olympics (1997). It was in Seattle, Washington, and I was so nervous. I had never had nerves like that before. I was so nervous that I threw a discus over the fence and on to the street. 
 
USATF: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Carter: I didn’t have a set idea. I knew I wanted to have my own business and I wanted to do multiple things. 
 
USATF: What other sports have you participated in?
Carter: Soccer and basketball 
 
USATF: Who do you admire the most in your event?
Carter: Connie Price Smith, Earlen Brown, Ramona Pagel
 
USATF: Any other random fun fact or story you’d like people to know about you.
Carter: I ran a 400m time trial in 59 seconds. 
 
USATF: Lastly, name one thing you’re grateful for.
Carter: I am grateful for opportunities. The opportunities I have today weren’t available to those who came before me.