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Heikkinen should be a major threat in the decathlon for years to come (Texas Tech sports photo) |
1. Originally from Aanekoski, Finland, you also competed in the decathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. What was the experience like for you and do you plan to do the same at the upcoming World Championships this summer and Olympic Games in 2004?
Sure it was a great experience. Unfortunately I got injured just before competition and that's why I couldn't finish. I'm feeling lot better now than in 2000 when I scored 8188 points and I'm looking forward to 2003 World Championships, 2004 Olympics and most of all 2005 World Championships in Helsinki.
2. For the second consecutive year, Texas Tech landed the No. 4 men's recruiting class as judged by Track & Field News. Being a big part of that honor, what goals would you like to accomplish once your collegiate career is over?
I would like have accomplished big +8000 point total and NCAA title(s). I also think we have a good chance to win team competition during next 2-3 years.
3. How big is the sport of track & field back in Finland and do you feel any pressure to perform above expectations?
It is respected event back home and all major competitions (Olympics, World & European Championships) are getting high viewer rates in TV. I've had few bad years because of injuries and expectations are maybe not that high anymore, some people might even think I'm done my best results. So I really want to score well this year.
4. What are some of the most important drills, techniques and Olympic lifts that you perform that help you the most in all of your events?
I have pretty good techniques in most of events, so I'm not concentrating on any new things anymore. I just want to make "my style" techniques as good as possible. This year I've gained around 10 pounds by doing more cleans, jerks behind neck, and squads etc. and maybe because of that I've felt my self pretty ballistic and fast all year. I think after few weeks' preparation I should score quite well.
5. What made you decide to attend and enroll into Texas Tech?
I've always wanted to come to States and see what is like to train ant study over here but my situation back home didn't give me possibility to come here. Also most of schools that showed interest on me were far more north. I wanted to come somewhere warm because we have enough snow back home. Mika was also big factor behind my decision.
6. How has the experience at Texas Tech been so far for you during your first year on campus?
Now I'm starting to get used to this lifestyle over here and specially now straight after Finals I'm enjoying my time over here.
7. What ultimately led you into taking on the decathlon and were there other sports that you participated in?
I was pretty good in almost every Track event so starting decathlon was pretty easy. I've done weightlifting, wrestling and basketball but those have been just short visits outside Track. I think would have been pretty good (or at least decent) in many different events but Track feels best for me.
8. Do you see anyone ever scoring over 9,000 points again in the decathlon? If so, who do you think has the talents to right now?
It is hard to say. All kind of injuries are common in decathlon and to score over 9000p athlete should stay healthy a few consecutive years. Also in competition 9000p means almost perfect result in every ten events. There are few guys capable to score over 9t and I would like to think I'm one of those.
9. It should be another close contest in the decathlon at the NCAA Outdoor Championships this year. Are you familiar with some of your competitors at the national level and how close to you follow the sport?
I know all the "better" guys by name and some of them I've met before. I'm following statistics quite much so I'm also familiar with their decathlon profiles (good & bad events). It's going to be very good and tight competition and maybe few guys score over 8000 points.
10. To all of your friends and family back home, what would you like to say to them?
Watch out, I'm coming back for summer!