Tristine Johnson has always been around track and field. At a very young age she knew what she wanted to do . . . run. Her choice is paying off.
Early on, Tristine wasn't competing in the same events that her father had dominated in for so long. Alan Johnson, Tristine's father, is one of the finest hurdlers the world has ever seen. His commitment to the sport also has allowed him to compete at the highest level well into his 30's. Tristine's commitment to the sports has earned her the #5 triple jump mark in the US right now. She started the season with a personal best, something you can only do with dedication during the off season.
1) Wow, beginning the season with a new personal best! Were you hoping to jump that far yesterday or was it a bit of a surprise?
I have been working on my technique for the Triple Jump, so I was definitely confident that I would have a big jump, but I didn't know that it would THAT big (considering that it was the first meet).
2) With a 38-7.5 in your first indoor meet of the season, what are you shooting for by the end of the outdoor season?
I'm not very sure what will happen that far out into the future, but I am hoping to jump at least 40 feet this year. With recruiting going on, the sooner the better.
3) What are your goals for indoors? Are you planning to attend one of the national championship meets?
I will definitely be attending Nike Nationals, and will hopefully be a top competitor there. I am currently working on qualifying in other events, such as the 300 and the 55 hurdles.
4) Your mark ranks you #5 in the US right now. You must have been putting in some solid work since last track season. What have been working on in order to improve?
I've worked a lot on technique, especially my second phase, as well as my core strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness.
5) Let's not forget that you are also one of the state's better hurdlers. What are your expectations in the hurdles this season?
Even though yesterday's meet wasn't one of my better hurdling meets, I thoroughly believe that my times will drastically improve with time and practice.
6) You've competed in the long jump as well, but not nearly as much. Will you be doing more long jumping in the future?
I hope to also do some long jumping during the outdoor season.
7) How long have you been competing in track and field? Did you begin as a jumper?
I decided that I was going to be a runner "just like daddy" (Alan Johnson won the 110mH gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games) when I was 3, and have been running track for the Durham Striders since I was about 6 years old. As a child I wasn't very fast, so my coaches had me running middle distance events. Ever since then I've thought to myself "run fast, or else." I started hurdling at 10 and triple jump at 13.
8) If you could meet any track athlete (past or present), who would it be and why?
I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of athletes through my father, but I would love to meet Flo Jo, Dawn Harper, and Lo Lo Jones.
9) Have you lived in Durham your entire life?
I was born in Chapel Hill and moved to Durham when I was 3 years old.
10) With your father being one of the greatest hurdlers ever, do you feel any pressure to hurdle?
Hurdling, as well as running track has been entirely my choice, even though he may be rough on me when training.
11) What does your dad bring to your training?
My dad brings a lot of knowledge about hurdles, running, general conditioning, collegiate training, and elite training, as well as much more. I have yet to think of a question about higher level track and field that he has not been able to answer.