Tori Bowie in action at the US Championships (© Getty Images)
Sprinter-long jumper Tori Bowie has emerged as one of the standout stars of the 2014 season, ending the year as the fastest woman in the world over 100m.
The US athlete offers a peek into her world by answering our work, rest and play questions.
Tori at work
What is your favourite training session?
Tori Bowie: Basically I love speed work – the 60m, 80m even 30m. I just love speed work. To have speed is the biggest asset for any event I do, whether that is long jump or the sprints.
What is your least favourite session?
TB: Anything in the weight room because I struggle in that area.
Who is your favourite training partner?
TB: Hanna Demydova, a Ukrainian triple jumper I trained with at the University of Southern Mississippi. I liked her attitude, away from the track she was not so serious, but on the track for training she was serious. I liked how focused she was.
Do you have a favourite training venue?
TB: My favourite place to train is in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where I train with my aunt and sister during the off-season. It is basically a flat, grassy area by the side of the road where we have made a path to run on. We laugh and joke but we get the job done. Some of my best ever training has been done there.
What are your three favourite things about being an athlete?
TB: One, is it allows me to be healthy and two it allows me to see the world. Thirdly, track has allowed me to use this gift I’ve been given.
Tori at rest
Where is your favourite place to relax?
TB: I’d pack my suitcase and head to my grandmother’s place in Sand Hill, Mississippi. My grandmother spoils me and when I’m there I have no worries.
Describe your perfect non-training day.
TB: I would go the shopping mall, watch a movie and grab a good meal.
If you could pick anybody from the world of track and field with whom to spend one day to relax, who would it be?
TB: LaShawn Merritt (world 400m champion). I just enjoy my conversations with him and admire the humbleness of the guy.
What are your favourite TV shows?
TB: Criminal Minds because I enjoy the suspense. I’m also a sports fanatic, so I enjoy watching ESPN.
What is your favourite meal?
TB: I love breakfast. I could eat breakfast for every meal of the day. I can’t go without eggs.
Tori at play
Why do you have such a keen interest in music?
TB: For me, it is all about hearing the right lyrics. I love the right lyrics.
Can you describe a song with great lyrics?
TB: ‘He Has His Hands on You’ by Marvin Sapp. The lyrics say no matter what you are going through, you’re not going through it alone.
Are you personally musical?
TB: I love singing. I can’t say it sounds good, it’s just something I like doing. One day I would love to learn how to play piano and guitar.
Do you have a favourite singer?
TB: Mary J Blige. I love her voice.
Who has the best voice in track and field?
TB: Brigetta Barrett, the US high jumper.
Steve Landells for the IAAF
