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Q&A With Olympian Steven Mays

By Andre Gibson USA Wrestling
08/29/2000

Steven Mays Age 34 Wrestled in the Military (Navy) for 15 1/2 yrs. Started wrestling at age 9 What's your goal going into the Olympics? I want to let everyone know that I am not just going to the Olympics with the attitude the now that I am here, I can relax. I am coming here for that Gold medal. What was the reaction back in your hometown? Have you been hearing from old friends? My hometown is very happy and proud and of course many of my friends have called. What has wrestling taught you? How do you view the sport? Wrestling has taught me to fight for everything I have to earn and to never give up. In the end, all of the work and sacrifice will pay off. Wrestling is without a doubt, the most challenging thing I have ever committed myself to. What do you think of the coaching staff assembled for the Olympics? The coaching staff provided by USA Wrestling has given us their best, so I intend to give them my best. It is an great to work with our best coaches. They are a great mix of coaches and coaching styles. How was your trip/tournament in Poddoubny? What did you learn from it? Every international tournament I have entered this year has given me the confidence to do well. Puddubny, Russia. It was a long trip, but was very interesting. As for the wrestling, it was tough. I learned that the other countries are not conditioned as well as we are. So, I will keep that in mind in my training and use that to my advantage if I get a tough draw. Before a big match, what do you tell yourself to mentally reassure yourself that you're ready? I know I've put in the work, I have done EVERYTHING I could do to this point to insure my outcome for success. I just believe that no one is better. Who has been the biggest influence on you during your wrestling career? Why? Mujaahid Maynard and Dennis Hall have been great influences to me because they went out of their way to give me the personal attention that I needed. This has helped me succeed. This (training camp) is just the first phase. It's rough for now at this point. This is the only event where the WHOLE world is watching, so yes, it is different. I hope to just to my best and make my country proud.
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