Jeremy Wariner: can cook, will cook

World 400m champion Jeremy Wariner is a big fan of the Food Network and enjoys cooking in his downtime. Spikesmag.com put on its apron and delved into the American sprinter’s pantry to talk sautéed chicken and other food-related stuff…

Hi Jeremy, we hear you are budding chef?

JW: I try to be (laughs).

How did you develop a passion for cooking?

JW: Probably, when I moved out on my own. I left college and it's then you’ve got to learn to cook for yourself. I started to watch cooking shows a bit and learned some techniques. I really started to enjoy it and it’s something I like to do – it’s better than going out to eat bad food.

Are you a good cook?

JW: I’ve been told I am. A lot of my friends have told me that. I like to cook for my family and friends.

What is your ideal dish?

JW: I don’t really have a dish. I always cook a lot of chicken – I cook it different ways sometimes I grill it, sometimes I sautee it or just use different types of seasoning.

Okay, what dish are you most proud of?

JW: I’m proud of all the dishes I cook. You have to try things by trial and error…some of my dishes didn’t turn out well. But I learned from what I did – it's just like in my (running) career, it is trial and error; if it works you keep it and if it doesn’t you scrap it. I like cooking chicken with macaroni cheese and mashed potatoes.

Does cooking help relax you?

JW: When I’m bored I’ll figure out what I want to eat and I’ll go and cook it. It is relaxing until I start rushing, especially when I’m trying to cook for somebody. I’ll cook five things at once and I’ll try not to burn it all. I think “I should have started this later and should have started that earlier”.

Is cooking something you want to actively pursue more when your career is over?

JW: I wouldn’t want to make a career out of it. I do it because I love to cook. I don’t want to become a chef or anything like that.

Do you fancy an appearance on the Food Network?

JW: I wouldn’t mind being on the show!

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