Star Continues to Clear Hurdles

By Scott Bush

Despite being a NCAA All-American while at Virginia Tech, Kristi Castlin didn't burst into national attention until she won the 2012 USA Indoor Championship title in the 60m hurdles. Castlin's big win not only showed she was clearly a star on the rise, it gave her a new level of confidence that she could compete with the very best in the United States, thus the world. Since then, Castlin's taken her hurdling to a new level, setting PRs, racking up big wins and proving herself on the international stage. 

In 2014, Castlin got off to a great start to the season, finishing third in the 60m hurdles at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque. She continued her momentum outdoors, taking home a huge upset win over American record holder Brianna Rollins in the 100m hurdles at the Drake Relays, one of her biggest wins to date. As the season progressed, Castlin found her groove and continued to shine. Her 12.58 win at Drake leaves her ranked #7 in the world. 

We caught up with Castlin recently, revisting the season, talking about her consistent progression as a pro and what it's like to be a key member in the remarkable American 100m hurdle group. 

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Scott Bush (SB): We've been asking this question to a few athletes now that the seasons over - reflecting back, how do you view your 2014 season?

Kristi Castlin (KC): Whew! I’d definitely say it was a true roller coaster ride! Some very high moments, low moments, twists, turns, but I loved the thrill.

SB: What did you take away from this season that will help you grow as an athlete heading into next season? 

KC: I really learned so much this season. One of the most important things I’d say is learning what makes me “tick.” Through experiences I’ve been learning what makes me really, really great and when to make changes. I’ve also finally learned how to take a race and learn from it. I used to get so upset when I did not do well at races, which really clouds my judgment.

I’m a very emotional person, which can be really good and bad at times. I feel that now it’s time to take my heart off my sleeve and really indulge into the things that will assure that I am apart of the next 2 national teams.

SB: You've run so incredibly consistent over the past bunch of years. What's the secret to your success?

KC: God has really blessed throughout the duration of my career. Each year I get a little better, stronger, and wiser. If I had to give my “secret” to success, haha, I’d say it’s my technique. I’ve had some really great coaches who have always emphasized how much of a technician I am. I won’t say that it’s perfect but it’s definitely my trump card when I need to perform well.

SB: You bested Brianna Rolling early on in the season at the Drake Relays, as the two of you ran an incredibly fast and close race. What did such a big early season success tell you?

KC: I really made some tough changes in my life after my 2013 season. I made some decisions that scared me but I knew they had to be done if I wanted to be successful. After I won Drake Relays, I could not sleep for 24 hours. I was on such a natural high. I was so incredibly happy because I finally took a chance/risk on myself and it worked! I knew that my 2014 season was going to be a great one.

SB: The 100m hurdles is arguably the most talented and deepest event in United States track and field. What's it mean to you to be a part of such a tremendous group and how does competing against women like Dawn Harper-Nelson, Queen Harrison and Brianna Rollins in the biggest domestic meets help you up your game?

KC: My relationship with the US women’s 100 m hurdles can be most accurately explained as “love, hate.” It feels amazing to be apart of the world’s strongest team of 100- meter hurdlers but it is also very frustrating because only 3-4 of us are going to get that opportunity to compete internationally at the biggest competitions. 

Once you’ve trained and competed with the best…you’re never too intimated when you see another hurdler’s uniform say anything but USA. There are a few heavy hitters out there but I think the US has the 100 meter hurdles all the way locked down.

SB: Okay, you spend tons of time at the track and in the weight room, but what do you like to do when you are away from the track? 

KC: I love spending time with my family & friends in Atlanta along with shopping and traveling to places where it doesn’t typically fall below 74 degrees. I’m also in love with custom home design. I have a few things in the works now that I am so very excited about! I have some pretty big news to come.  

SB: You've had the opportunity to travel all around the globe. Does one area outside of the United States stand out as your favorite place to compete?

KC: I love to compete in France. My French fans are always so amazing & I am absolutely in love with Paris. I’d really like to be fluent in French by 2016.

I also really enjoy going to England! They really know how to put on some great meets. The crowd & atmosphere are so amazing and I have been invited pretty often to the competitions.