IMPRINTS – Loreal Smith

I wanted to start a section on my blog that will promote individuals, male or female, that are making IMPRINTS in different industries across the globe.  What better way to start than with one of my best friends, Loreal Smith.  I have known her since college and we have built a bond stronger than what a friend could have – we are sisters.  I have seen her compete in track numerous times and you would not believe how fast she is!  Below is an interview I have conducted with her, enjoy! 🙂

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Ok, let’s start with the basics: name, age, location.
My name is Loreal Luciana Smith and I am 26 years old. I am a native of Tallahassee, Florida but currently reside in Gainesville, Florida.

What do you do for a living?
I am a professional track and field runner.

How long have you been involved in track?
I have been running since I was about 5 years old but I only did it for fun up until high school. Along the way I ran on a few summer track club teams, Florida Breeze and Young Achievers. But like I mentioned, it was all just for fun until I got to high school. James S. Rickards High School is where I went. There I competed in the 300 meter hurdlers, 4×100, 4×400, 4×800. I was recruited on to college for the 400 meter hurdlers. I started out at Jacksonville University and later transferred to North Carolina A&T State University. At A&T, I competed in the 400mH, 4×100, 4×400, and before long I was converted into a 100mH as well. I was really good in all my events but even after a short time of learning, I ended up being the best at the 100mH. Because the 100mH was my better event, I went on to compete as a professional after college in that event only and currently still am.

I know you were breaking all types if records in college. What’s your fastest time and what events do you run?
In college I broke a few records. Sad to say I don’t remember all but I know I broke an indoor 55mH school record and an outdoor 100mH MEAC record…in college my fastest time was 12.90 and as a professional my fastest time is 12.64. And although I only run the 100mH outdoor, I will occasionally run the 60mH indoors. Not my favorite event to run lol!

What motivates you to continue on this journey?
This is something I absolutely love to do! I don’t always see it as my job because I’m still having fun! But what definitely drives me everyday currently is knowing I have a great shot of making the 2012 Olympic Team!

Your body is BANGING and I need your abs! What’s your workout regimen?
LOL, thanks so much for the compliment pROY! I appreciate that! I work hard! But I can’t give out too many secrets lol, we will have to talk one on one for that. I have a really great team though. My coach, my strength coach, and my nutritionist all play a part in how I look and feel everyday. It’s not just one thing that I’m doing. And believe it or not, I’m not where I want to be just yet! Almost! My eating regimen isn’t like most, I lift 4 days out of the week, and I practice 5 days out of the week.

Let’s talk about your hair. How long have you been natural?
Omg!!! My hair my hair!!! Sometimes I just want to cut it! Lol! But no seriously, I’ve been natural all my life really. My mom put a kiddy perm in my hair when I was 3 and then cut it out a few months after. So ever since then I have been natural. I love natural hair. There is so much more you can do with your hair in its natural state.

Being that you’re an athlete, is there a way in which you normally wear your hair? Do you have a go-to style?
Actually if it’s not straighten and down with some sort of headband or ribbon on it, I may have a few extensions in only because it’s easier to manage with all of the traveling I do. It just depends. But either way, it will be down and blowing in the wind!

What advice would you give an up and coming athlete?
To never give up on their dreams and to always always work hard everyday. The motto I live by is “Making it look easy is Hard Work”. Meaning, practice hard and do the necessary so that competing will be a piece of cake!

What’s your ultimate goal in life?
As it relates to track, to make at least one World and Olympic team. But in general, to just be successful. I want to make an impact on others in a big way positively.

Anything else you want to share?
Never let anyone tell you you can’t! You always chose your destiny!