Profiled on IAAF.org
by Eric Everett
A feature on the web site of the International Association of Athletic Federations recounted Angelo's amazing return to track and field prominence.
No one had really given AT a chance at this past Olympics. But as the article, "Attack, Just Attack," recounted:
“I’d been running very well throughout the rounds and I just told myself that I really didn’t have to change anything, just run the same race plan,” he said. “Attack. Just attack. The only difference was to sprint coming home and attack the last two hurdles. And I did that. It was a great race and I was really happy I was able to come through.”
Not only that: Angelo's performance evidently influenced the achievements of his teammate and 400 meter gold medalist, LaShawn Merritt.
Merritt said that when he watched Taylor attack on the back stretch in Beijing, that he ran “like a champion,” motivating him to run in similar fashion.
“Me and LaShawn were encouraging each other. We both wanted the gold. That was a great situation to have LaShawn as a roommate. I’m glad I was an inspiration to him.”
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Consider Angelo's success in Beijing as the beginning of the second stage of his career -- a stage he anticipates will overshadow the first by a great deal.
“I still have other goals,” said Taylor, who became the first two-time winner since the legendary Edwin Moses captured his second Olympic gold 24 years earlier. “I still haven’t won a world championship so I still have to conquer that.”
Perhaps a world record time is in the works, too.
Kevin Young’s 46.78 World record celebrated its 16th anniversary this summer, with no one managing to come remotely close since. But armed with his improved speed over the past few season and experience in the event that is currently without rival, Taylor may have what it takes.
“I just really know how to handle it now. I got a lot of experience. I was 21 when I won my first gold. Now I’m 29, I finally got my rhythm back in the hurdles and I’m feeling really great. And the main thing is remembering that I’m the fastest man out there in the hurdles and just got to keep my race plan.”
“I’m in the best shape of my life,” Taylor said. “I’ve got tons of experience. I’m very mature out there. I’ve learned a whole lot over the years. I’m just using my experience to my advantage.”
RELATED STORIES
Attack, just attack (IAAF.org, Oct. 22, 2008)
http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=103/newsid=48103.html
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