How Berlin gold changed my life
The World Championships in Berlin ushered in a new era of champions. Spikesmag.com speaks to a quartet of winners to find out how their lives have changed since striking World Championships gold…
Trey Hardee (USA) – world decathlon champion
“My life hasn’t changed (in the US) as of yet. I quickly got back into real life and I didn’t get a chance to relax and enjoy it. I’m sure it will change soon enough. Saying this, it is a bit different when I'm with other athletes.
Being an American and travelling around Europe, my life has changed a lot – I now get recognised in the store, at the hotel and at the airport. Even the people at the airport doing security (in Berlin) would take pictures and ask for autographs, so that was my first taste of what it would be like to be a European. I think it’s great. Obviously, we would like more coverage over here in the US but (the lack of attention) definitely keeps you humble and keeps you focused.”
Ryan Brathwaite (BAR) – world 110m hurdles champion
“There has been differences, I now have lot more fame and fans. I’ve been working a lot with kids in schools and better people in more places, a lot of stuff has been going on.
It was massive. There were so many people (waiting for me after I’d won gold) I was shocked when I arrived at the airport. I was made Ambassador His Excellency, which gave me more responsibility. There is also more responsibility to your sport and to take more pride in your country and help other sports and people. Everywhere in Barbados people say hello. That hasn’t cooled down yet. I have to get accustomed to my new-found fame, that’s the main thing that I need to handle. I’ve bought a car, too – a Nissan X-Trail – but it’s back in Barbados and I train in the US.”
Dani Samuels (AUS)– world discus champion
“My life has changed a bit. When I got back (from Berlin) I was surprised by how much attention I received. My mum kept all the newspaper articles and I was on the front and back page of the (Sydney Morning) Herald, which is the largest read paper throughout the week. I was amazed to be on the front page, especially as the Wallabies (the Australian Rugby Union team) were playing at the same time. When I got back I was on a few TV shows and started being recognised in my local suburbs. I was also on a football (Rugby League) show when the Parramatta Eels made the Grand Final – people started recognising me a lot after that.
I’m not the type of person who enjoys being in the spotlight, but it’s really great to be acknowledged for your achievements. I’ve been working my butt off for the last five years, so it's great that people are now appreciating what I do.
I’ve had a few sponsors come on board and I’m looking forward to spending the money (earned with World Championship success) on a house. Whether it's going halves with my mum and buying an investment property or whether I’ll get a full mortgage and buy a house I don’t know yet."
Christian Cantwell (USA) – world shot put champion
“The money is nice, which obviously makes everything a little easier but pretty much everything is the same. I take 15 days off (at the end of the season) and then it’s another 17 weeks before the next competition.
Listen, I haven’t really accomplished everything yet. I need to figure out this sport a little in terms of how I want to do it. This is my 13th month that I have been healthy. I need to accomplish some of my goals like winning a world indoor title and setting another PR.”
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