Iris Smith thought she had everything planned perfectly last year. She was planning to compete in the World Championships and then go to basic training for the Army. Instead, after the World Championships were postponed to November due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Smith had to miss the event entirely due to her military commitment.

TheMat.com spoke with the two-time defending World Team Trials champion as she prepares to qualify for her third consecutive World Team.

TheMat.com: Last year, you were unable to compete at the postponed World Championships due to your military commitment. Do you ever wish you would have delayed your basic training to see what you would have accomplished on the World level last year?

Smith: I would have loved to compete at the World Championships, but I didn't expect it to be in November. When I looked at the brackets, I wished I was there, but I wouldn't have changed anything, though. I am doing my military thing and it is part of my wrestling now. The Olympics are coming up and I want to spend my last couple of years preparing for the Olympics and not in basic training. I am glad I got it done with.

TheMat.com: After basic training was over, was it tough to get back into the flow of training for wrestling?

Smith: Not at all. Once I came back, my coaches were waiting for me. I trained a little bit off and on during my basic training. On our off time I would drill and find a way to get to a mat. I was still wrestling a little bit. I wasn't wrestling as much as I like, but enough to where it wasn't tough at all to get back in the swing of things.

TheMat.com: In 2000, you placed seventh at the World Championships. Given the extra year since then, how much do you feel you have improved?

Smith: I think I've improved a lot. I have gotten more technical. I have learned from my mistakes. In 2000, I made small mistakes that hurt me during my matches. I think I have taken care of them so hopefully I have gotten a lot better.

TheMat.com: What have been the key areas of focus for you in training this year for the World Team Trials?

Smith: Since I have been in basic, I have focused on everything. I didn't take anything for granted. I went through all of my moves. I was in pretty good shape, so I concentrated more on my technique.

TheMat.com: You have been competing on the Women's Senior level since you were 16 years old. Though you are only 23 now, do you feel your experience is a major advantage for you now?

Smith: I really do. As the years went on, I made more mistakes and learned from them. I think it has played a big part in my success.

TheMat.com: As a leader on the women's circuit, what improvements have you seen over the past few years in both the level of wrestling and the level of coaching?

Smith: The coaching has gotten a lot better. On a wrestling level, we have gotten a lot more technical. I look at some of the tapes from the past and just think 'Oh my God! What are you doing?' I think we have stepped up a couple of notches so I am really happy.

TheMat.com: The new weight class for you this year is 72 kg, nearly 7 pounds less than last year. Is the new weight easier or harder for you?

Smith: Cutting was no problem. I haven't had to cut too much since I've been back from basic training, so I guess it was the perfect time to go to basic. Competing is the same as it was at 75 kg. I can't really tell a difference in the weight class.

TheMat.com: How has the Army World Class Athlete Program helped you to reach your goals in your short time with them?

Smith: It's been a lot of teamwork. I am able to train with my team every single day. Having someone there over you all the time giving you that support means a lot to me. It's been great. Coach (Dave) Bennett has been a huge help. We had Mike Duroe here, but it was different. He was the National Team coach and he helped us out a lot. We now have a coach that is always going to be in your corner, though. We don't have to worry about conflict or anything.

TheMat.com: Who are your main training partners right now?

Smith: I train at Fort Carson with a lot of the guys out there. We have had a women's camp going on so I will get a couple of matches in against the women over at the Training Center, but it is mostly the guys at Fort Carson.

TheMat.com: Georgia is not a traditionally strong state for high school wrestling. How did you become involved in the sport?

Smith: My brother was a high school stud. I went to one of his competitions. He was picking on me and I arm-spun him and his coach told me I was coming out for the wrestling team right there. Believe it or not, he talked my mom into doing in and my mom talked me into doing it. She told me to give it a try and whether I liked it or not, she would support me. I actually liked it. I broke my ankle the second day of practice so I tried out the next season because I felt like wrestling owed me something. I am glad I continued to keep going after it.