Regina George is certainly one of the most talented track and field athletes to ever come out of Chicago even though a lot of pundits tried to disregard her achievements. George did not attend one of the luxury public league high schools such as Lane Tech or Whitney Young high schools to hone her skills. Instead she competed and excelled as a “lone ranger” at Gordon Tech and St. Gregory high schools earning a ton of all-state honors Ms. George took some time to discuss her journey from Chicago to the University of Arkansas on to the 2012 London Olympic stage. George returned for her senior year of college and had an outstanding season that netted her first NCAA championship when she anchored her mates to the 4x400m relay title. She is now participating in the world championships.
Some people may not know that you actually grew up in Chicago and attended high school there. Can you shed some light on your childhood in the windy city? Were you born in the states? How did you obtain duo citizenship?
Chi Town! Yes, I was born and bred in Chicago. At a very early age, my parents involved my siblings and myself in every sporting event available through the Chicago Park districts and AYSO. I played on many AYSO soccer teams since age 6 and ran in the local mile and cross country races for River Park District team. After graduating for Hayts Elementary, I attended Gordon Tech on the north side of Chicago and later transferred to St. Gregory also on the north side. Though I ran XC and Track at both schools, my main focus was soccer. I continued to play AYSO, park district, Mayors Cup and club soccer for Edison Park Celtics. Soccer was really my first love and I still miss playing it.
Due to parentage, I had the pick of citizenships. My dad’s dual citizenship from Nigeria and Sierra Leone qualified me for both. My mom is Venezuelan so I also had that pick. I competed for the US at the 2010 World Juniors but have since competed for Nigeria since after some encouragement from my grandmother and my dad’s former teammates. But when it is all said and done, I am first a proud citizen of the great city of Chicago and the even greater state of Illinois.
A lot of successful athletes find it hard transitioning from high school to college. How were you able to step into the University of Arkansas and become an impact athlete as a freshman?
First, it was a blessing to have had a supportive coach such as Coach [Rolando] Green to provide the guidance that was necessary and the psychological support to make me believe that I can compete with the big girls in college. Secondly, I had the support of teammates from Illinois such as Stephanie Brown and Leah Orley. We competed against each other during high school in the state championships, and faced similar challenges in trying to figure out how to be impactful at the collegiate level. Having them to share the challenges made the transition to college a bit easier. Thirdly, I brought my Illinois roots with me to ground me through the process. My Illinois coaches from Gordon Tech and St. Gregory, my mentor Coach [Michael] Brazier, my Zephyr Track Club coaches, and a host of others were instrumental in making me believe and pushing me to compete at the highest level. Lastly and most importantly, my parents came out to see many races to support me: it was difficult to run poorly knowing they have traveled over 700 miles to watch me run one race.
No athlete is perfect and you have had your share of ups and downs. How were you able to overcome the negative pitfalls and move on to became a better person and athlete?
RG: Again, the support system I have around me cannot be overemphasized. Every person, whether they are former and present coaches, present and former teammates, present and former classmates, especially parents and family members to whom I have to answer, makes it so much harder to lose focus. And when I have lost focus, my phone lights up nonstop as each push and pull to fix my track and get me back on it.
You have accomplished many of your goals thus far in terms of All-American awards and a national championship this past spring in the 4x4 relay for your school. Was there anything that you regret as you completed your collegiate career?
I wanted an individual 400 meter NCAA outdoor championship. I thought I had a good chance to accomplish that in my last individual race, but somehow I allowed to race to get away from me. I take solace in knowing I gave it my best.
You indicated that you have one semester of school remaining before you earn your degree. What are you majoring in and what do you intend on doing with it once your athletic career is complete?
am majoring in Criminal Justice. I hope to have a long track career and afterwards transition into the homeland security field or work for the FBI. I am hoping I do not have to think about this for another decade though.
You will be competing in your second international championship (London Olympics 2012 was first) correct? How will you approach the Moscow World Championships vs. the Olympic Games?
The Moscow World Championships would actually be my third since I competed in the World Junior Championship in Moncton, Canada in 2010. I am still feeling my way through the international circuit of track and field. Having gone through the Olympic experience, I have less anxiety about competing on the world stage. I have prepared very hard in the past month and look forward to giving it my all for the Worlds.
Will you be training in Fayetteville when you turn pro?
Presently, that is the plan. That said, I hope to come to Chicago to do some training at River Park and at Proviso East HS where my dreams were planted.
* Thanks to Regina for taking the time out of her schedule to do this interview. We wish you the best of luck in Moscow and in the future!
By The Numbers
- 200- 23.00
- 400-50.99
- 500- 1:09.81
- 800- 2:03.79
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