Q&A: Tammy King and the WMAC

By: DUNCAN STONER '18
PTS Falconer Staff

After a number of years off from competition, Palmer Trinity’s own Tammy King was invited to compete at the 2015 Masters World Athletics Championship in Lyon, France this past summer. As head coach of the Palmer Trinity Girls Cross-Country and Track and Field teams, King was greatly supported by her athletes as well as our wonderful faculty.

Coach Tammy has been renowned in the past for her success in the 800 meter and 400 meter dash on the track in her high school, collegiate, and even professional career. She has run quite fast in the past, running PR’s (Personal Records) of 53.74 in the 400m dash and 2:05.77 in the 800m run. Her background in the sport of track and field has brought her many places; she’s been to a Junior Olympic Trial in 1994 and come back as a professional in 2004. King has made huge impacts on the running community in south Florida as coaches, active members of USATF, and as active members of the FSHAA.

The “Road to Lyon” lasted for the final 15 days of summer vacation. Among Coach Tammy were some athletes of the Palmer Trinity Track and Field team, Autumn-Jade Stoner ‘19, Reilly May ‘19, and Duncan Stoner ‘18. Also accompanying them were Coach Tammy’s son, Austin King-Foster and Coach Tammy’s mother, Jorene. Coach Odermatt, the boy’s program head, also attended and ran in the 1500m. Each day in France had something new to offer. The group experienced many of Lyon’s tourist areas including its shopping district, food district, and stadiums.

PTS Falconer Staff member Duncan Stoner ’18 spent some time talking to Coach King about her challenges and success at the 2015 Masters World Athletics Championship in Lyon, France.
 

What was your favorite part of travelling to Lyon to compete in the WMAC?

“My favorite part of competing in Lyon was wearing my USA t-shirt and walking in the opening ceremony, it was one of the happiest moments of my life.” 

What was your favorite place that you visited in France and why?

“My favorite experience in France was competing and visiting three different Track and Field Stadiums; additionally eating the ethic French foods and walking most places, a different way of life which was enjoyable.”

How did it feel to represent your country among others in a world-class competition?

“It was a dream come true to not only represent the USA but to be among the few women my age and older in amazing physical shape, and running faster than even many high school aged. So even at an open professional level, it was truly an honor and a gift to be considered.”

How did the international crowd affect you during your race?

“The cheering and support gave me the energy to get out very strong in the 400m. In the 800m race the crowd was less but the support was a great help before and after the races. All the personal support that we had was simply rewarding in its own nature. Most importantly, the other athletes from the USA and other countries were extremely encouraging and showed extraordinary sportsmanship towards each other.”

How do you feel about the turnout of your race(s)?

“I do believe that in both races, I could have done a little better if I did not have that small injury set back just a month prior to. It was still a good performance and I am looking forward to my competition in December for the indoor season.” 

Have you ever experienced any other event that mirrored your experience in France?

“There was never an event that mirrored my experience in France, but I did make it to the USA trials in 1994 as a junior athlete and then again in 2004 as a professional long sprinter. These experiences required a very high level of concentration much like France; however, it was nationals not international.”

Do you have anything to say to other aspiring athletes?

“Your goals give you purpose, your thoughts and actions are the expression of your true self; and I believe one should never give up on their goals, even if you have to alter them because it was not as you first imagined it.”