Interview with Olympic Medalist and Fastest Woman Alive, Carmelita Jeter
In 2012, Jeter won three Olympic medals and found herself in one of the most memorable images of the 2012 games as she pointed to the clock while crossing the finish line of the world record setting 4x100m relay. Jeter came home from the 2011 World Championships with three medals. Jeter defended her 2010 100m Diamond League title in 2011 and added another by doubling in the 200m.
Jeter came onto the scene in 2007 setting a then personal record in the 100m of 11.05 at the adidas Track Classic and then went on to qualify for her first World Outdoor Championships roster for Team USA. She has since gone on to become the second-fastest woman in history, behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner. Prior to 2007, Jeter was plagued with injuries from 2003-2005. Jeter is the first-ever U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier and Olympian to come from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Find out more about Jeter. Meet the exceptional woman behind the fastest recorded feet in the world. Find out how she stays fit, fabulous and fierce all while living her dreams.
FG: How did you get your start with track and field?
CJ: During my freshman year of high school, my basketball coach suggested that I try out for track to help keep in shape in off-season. Not only did I realize that I had a natural talent for track, but I also realized that I loved it. Needless to say, I never went back to playing basketball. Running is my love.
FG: When did you realize you were passionate about running?
CJ: When I graduated from high school, I signed on with California State University, Dominguez Hills track team. I became the University’s first U.S. Olympic trials qualifier. I was always very competitive. I knew I was passionate when I started competing and winning.
FG: How did you stay inspired during challenges periods of your career?
CJ: In 2012, my aunt passed away from breast cancer. I promised her that I would make the Olympic team. Despite injury and pain, I fulfilled my promise of gold, silver and bronze. “I told her I was going to do it, and I pushed myself. I did all that I had to do to make that team. That experience reinforced how important it is to keep my eye on the goal and keep believing in myself. My college coach taught me so much about perseverance. There were times he believed in even when I doubted myself. His support and encouragement meant the world to me.
FG: What does your training regimen include?
CJ: My training is usually 4 days a week and includes (1) hour of weights and (1) running on hills, sand and park terrain. I typically do not touch the track during the first two months of training.
FG: What do your workouts consist of when you’re not training for competition?
CJ: I enjoy Pilates, biking at the beach….I usually enjoy exercising outside. People are often surprised what you can do without machines or equipment using your body weight. For instance sometimes I’ll run down a hill and do lunges coming back up the hill or I’ll do burning hops which are great for glutes.
FG: What does your diet include? What are your favorite “go- to” snacks and meals?
Let me start by saying, I believe in occasional cheat meals. Tuesday is my designated day for a cupcake. Besides my occasional cheat treat, I enjoy an overall healthy diet. My go-to snacks are pita chips, trail mix and yoplait yogurt-pina colada and harvest peach are my favorite flavors. My meal favorites include oatmeal, scrambled egg, protein drink for breakfast. I typically like to eat a salad or broccoli , and chicken breast for lunch. And baked fish, vegetable and brown rice for dinner. My general rule is to always eat a vegetable with my lunch and dinner meals.
FG: What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
CJ: I love spending quality time and just relaxing with my family. I also like reading a good book. Two of my favorite books are It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden and Everybody’s Got Something by Robbin Roberts.
CJ: What’s next for Carmelita? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d love to see myself as a television commentator, anchoring on ESPN, and interviewing athletes. I’d also like to be coaching. My former coach from college told me when he retires that he wants me to replace him. I’d truly enjoy coaching and inspiring and encouraging young women the same way my college coach inspired and encouraged me.
FG: Thanks Carmelita for taking the time to chat with FG. We wish you the very best in all your endeavors. See you on the track!
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