Welcome to our fourth edition of Throwback Thursday, where we interview some of NY's former Track and XC Stars, and see how they are doing in College. We have an exciting lineup planned, so be sure to check back every Thursday! This edition features one of New York's all-time great sprinters. Enjoy! (Questions submitted by Temi Bajulaiye)
Steven Gayle (Mt. Vernon, 2012)
MileSplit NY - This past summer you competed in the Jamaica National Junior trials and won with a mark of 46.83, about .4secs off of your PR. How was the atmosphere competing there and what did that victory mean to you?
Steven Gayle - It was a great feeling going back home to see my family. I was happy with the win, I just wanted my mother to be proud of me because she had no idea I can run track.
MNY - Aside from being the under 20 Jamaican national champion in the 400m, you're a NJCAA 400 and 4x400 All-American. Did the competition at the NJCAA help prepare you for the competition oversees?
SG - Yes NJCAA competition got me prepared. I had a lot of ups and downs but I just kept working and I was ready to go back home to compete
MNY - You were attending South Plains College and recently committed to the University of Alabama. Were there any major factors that contributed to you making the change to Alabama?
SG -Well there are program similarities, and I felt most comfortable there
MNY - You have personal bests of 21.16 in the 200m, 46.01 in the 400m, and 1:10.01 in the 600yrd and 1:18.49 in the 600m. Any plans of giving the 800m a try?
SG - Well no, I don't have any plans of running the 800m, but I am not scared to step up to run it if needed
MNY - Do you have any immediate goals as a Division 1 athlete?
SG - I want break 45 seconds but I know you can't talk up a time, you just have got to work for it so with god's help and blessing anything is possible
MNY - What would you say has been the most important factor in your success so far?
SG - Having faith in god. I am patient and I understand that if it is not your time to shine you have to be humble and keep working until god answers your prayer.
MNY - In High School, your 4x200 won both the New Balance Indoor Nationals and the New York State Championship. Do you still talk to any of the guys from that relay?
SG - We do not speak as much as we used too, but as soon as I get back to New York we all get together like we never left. The memories will never fade Donell, Avery Taylor, Kareem Campbell and Raheem Austin
MNY - You graduated High School two year ago. How does it feel to still be NY #4 All-TIme in the 500m and NY #8 in the Indoor 400?
SG - I am really proud of my accomplishments and respect the coaches Chris Malcolm and Marcus Green for motivating and pushing me
MNY - What's the most lasting memory of High School competition?
SG - New York State Championship- on the last leg of the 4x400m I split 45.92 and Robert Rhodes and I fought for the 4x400 championship title.
