TheMat.com interviews freestyle co-head coach John Smith from Sydney

<< Back to Articles
Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
09/15/2000


 

John Smith

How did the domestic training camp go in the United States? I thought the camp in Colorado Springs, was a very tough camp. A lot of the team members spent an extra week getting a little more work in. I don't think we lack work. A majority, if not all, of the team has prepared well. They must continue on that path for the next 10 days. There still is some important training left - it could be the most important part of the training. What kind of training will the athletes be doing here in Australia? There are many aspects left. They still have some conditioning and have to work on their mental focus. They are getting ready right now for the four or five toughest matches of their careers. A lot of it is relaxing mentally and making sure they eliminate any distractions leading up into the competition, things like family and friends and being at the Olympics. You have now been at the Olympics both as an athlete and as a coach. How is it different being the coach? It's harder being a coach. You have eight guys asking a lot of questions and having their own needs. As an athlete, you don't have a lot of concerns, except for yourself. We have a lot of good people here who are going hard towards their lifelong dreams. Freestyle Training Photos from Sydney