Jason Gatson Diary: May 21, 2004
What is it like to participate in all the different media activities, especially pre-Olympic media activities?
I think it is fun to participate in all of these media activities. All of us have been doing it for a while now and I think it is a pleasure to talk about our team and ourselves when we get the opportunity. Team USA is a very unique team and we are all proud to be a part of it.
What types of questions do they ask?
Myself personally, I get a lot of questions about my history and all the battles, injuries, etc. that I’ve been through in the past years and how hard was it to make my comeback.
Is it fun? What’s the best part?
I enjoy it and it is fun to go back and run them through the past few years of my life. I went through a lot of good times and a lot of struggles to get where I am now just as any athlete does and I think it is very interesting to here how athletes got to where they are now in their career.
Do you enjoy being in front of the camera?
It is a different feeling and yes I do enjoy it but I think it is different when you actually sit there and watch yourself on TV.
Was it hard to get used to the attention?
It was definitely a different experience getting that kind of attention when you are younger but after a couple years you get used to it.
Are you ever recognized when you are out and about?
Not too often, but every now and then someone will recognize you in a store or something and that puts a smile on your face that day for sure.
Does any of the attention interfere with your concentration?
Growing up and competeing with this kind of recognition teaches you how to focus and concentrate more on what you are doing through my experience. Sometimes in a competition you will be ready to go and you’ll have to wait for a comercial break or something like that. So then you have to regroup, get some chalk, rest, etc. and prepare yourself for when they are ready. It can be difficult but in training and mental preparation you keep yourself always aware that something like this may happen.
Do you have to miss training for these media activities? If so, do you think it has an affect on your preparation?
Sometimes you have to miss training for media activities but you are informed when these media functions are going to happen and you work it into your training schedule.



















