USA Track & Field champion hurdler Kristi Castlin along with world indoor champion jumper, Will Clay and world champion, high jumper, Jesse Williams led the RunJumpThrow Experience during the Millrose Games at the Armory in New York City on February 12, 2015.
Through the use of eight fitness learning stations, running, jumping and throwing skills were introduced to students excited about physical activity. Participants moved from station to station with upbeat music that kept them excited about staying active throughout the day. During water break, Kristi and Will shared their athletic experiences and also talked about the importance of physical activity and the ability to reach your dreams. They reminded students that being and athlete is hard work and fun. However, being a doctor, lawyer or reaching your own personal goal is important and within reach.
I caught up with Kristi Castlin throughout the day’s activities and found out some interesting things, through an interview, about her earlier days as an athlete and where she’s headed.
CC Minton: Why did you decide to get involved with RunJumpThrow?
Kristi Castlin: I think it’s such an awesome idea. It’s a great event. It’s kind of the changing of the guard. We have some new younger athletes and it’s a great way for us to get our names and faces out there and participate from the grassroots level. Today has been a lot of fun and I’m really excited about being a part of this organization.CC Minton: Ok. I guess I’m speaking that into existence (laughter)?
Kristi: Exactly.
CC: In terms of your eating habits, can you tell me how you start your day off?
Kristi: I start off with breakfast and I eat three meals per day. Some people think that skipping out on meals helps you lose weight but it definitely doesn’t. I have egg whites and a piece of toast. I’ll have something to get me going and to get me through my training. Lunch is usually my biggest meal for the day. I’ll normally have a salad and chicken or a sandwich or something like that. And for dinner I love lobster tails and lamb chops and very lean healthy things.
CC: So tell me about your self. Where did you grow up, what are some of your interests and where are you going?
Kristi: I was born and raised in Atlanta so I really just want to get the city behind me. They don’t really have a marquis athlete. I’m into fashion and politics. I just launched my new primary website kristicastlin.com. I don’t want to be just an ambassador of sport. I want to be known as a young woman doing positive things in the community. I’d love to travel all over the world. I really want young people to look at me and see themselves. I have lots of things in the works.
CC: It sounds like you’re well on your way. You have the Hollywood look?
Kristi: The sky is the limit with me. Tyler Perry lives in Atlanta so I’d love to be in a Tyler Perry movie jumping hurdles or something. I’m look forward to 2016 and being on the Olympic team.
CC Minton: Thank you Kristi
Kristi: Thank you CC.
CC Minton: So Kristi, tell me more about how you got started as an athlete?