NSIC Photo Essay: The #2 all-time 400 by Nicole Leach, West Catholic: 52.19
Q: Was fear your motivation?
Leach: Yeah, fear was my motivation. Because I knew I had to be at the break first. And once I got to the break first, I realized that I had to keep running. There were a lot of horses in that race, and the worst thing that could happen was for me to get out and run a good 200 and then wind up losing the race because I didn't continue to run.
Nicole Leach at the start of her record-setting 400.
Q: Did you realize you were running that fast? 24.1 through the 200?
Leach: I didn't know what I was coming through at. I usually get the time, but today I was so nervous, I was just looking straight ahead and running.
Q: Did you stay strong through the whole race?
Leach: Down the last stretch, I think I tightened up a little bit, but I tried to stay relaxed and just finish up.
Q: How'd you feel when you saw the time?
Leach: I had no words. I just said 'thank God.' I had no idea of running 52. I mean, I was looking at the (record) board out there and seeing 52.10 and I said that record is going to be there a long time. I just wanted to go 53-high. That's what I wanted to do. But I was so nervous that I just ran.
Q: Is that what you came here to do?
Leach: I didn't want to break any records. I just wanted a ring. That record is so awesome, because obviously, it's going to take a lot to beat it. I know I was working hard today. But now that I know that it's not impossible to beat, maybe next year I'll come back up here, and that'll be the goal. But right now, I'm just taking the first place. I'm happy.
Q: Are you going to have to rethink your goals? Maybe run the Olympic Trials in the summer?
Leach: No, I really don't think so. I don't want to rush it. I'm going to go to Junior Nationals, and I want to make the team. I don't think I'll be at the Olympic Trials. Not yet. Maybe if I could run these three days in a row, then maybe.
Q: Are you going to run the 400 Hurdles this spring?
Leach: Yes, I'm going to run it at the Penn Relays. But with the time that I ran today, I may or may not run it as AOC. I may run the 400… I don't know. It depends. But I definitely will be in the Penn Relays.
Q: So a watch from the Penn Relays is in your goals?
Leach: Oh, yeah.
Q: Your West Catholic teammates are at the NIC in Maryland. Have you talked to them since you've been here?
Leach: Yeah, I talked with them last night. They called me and told me that they had won (the SMR) and I was really happy for them.