A pre-Olympics question-and-answer session with Scott
July 18, 2012
STILLWATER, Okla.--Former Cowboy and All-American wrestler Coleman Scott clinched a spot on U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team after defeating Reece Humphrey and Shawn Bunch in a wrestle-off last month at New York's Madison Square Garden. As he trains for his first Olympic appearance, Scott talks about fundraising, training and living out his dream.
Q: How did you feel after you beat Humphrey in the first match and prepared for the match against Bunch? A: I was a little disappointed with my performance actually. I was lucky and won two clinches. I was too worried about my rib and didn't wrestle my best. I had to regroup after that match and get focused on wrestling in a couple hours.
Q: What did it feel like the moment you beat Bunch and realized you were an Olympian? A: Just that it was a dream coming true. I have always dreamt of being an Olympic champion, and I would not be able to achieve that goal without being an Olympian. With all the time everyone has put into me, this was a little something I could give back to them.
Q: Tell me about your fundraising efforts, why you're fundraising and what you've done so far. A: We have done a few fundraisers. One was in Oklahoma City and another back in my hometown of Waynesburg, Pa. The fundraisers are to help get my family over to London so I can have that support group with me at all times. It's not a cheap place, and I want them there.
Q: What have you been doing to prepare for London? A: I have been training in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center for the past couple weeks. We have been training at high altitude and to get into the best shape I have ever been in.
Q: How has being a dad affected your wrestling goals? Is there more motivation or maybe a new motivation? A: There's definitely more motivation. My lifetime goal is to take care of my family in all aspects. My wife and daughter are a blessing, and I just want to do all I can to support them and this is a good start.
Q: When do you arrive in London and what will it look like for you day-to-day as the other Olympic events play out? A: We arrive in London on July 26th. We will do processing that day then opening ceremonies July 27th. We will be in London for a couple days then head to Belarus to finish off our training for a week. We will arrive back in London August 6th, and get ready to compete on August 11th.
Q: What are your thoughts of having Coach John Smith and Jordan Oliver with you in London? A: Awesome! I can't ask for a better coach and training partner. I want to maximize everything I do, and those guys are pushing me that direction.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most? A: Hearing our national anthem played and me standing on top of the award stand.
Q: What would it mean to you to earn an Olympic medal? A: It would mean a lot. It's something I have trained for a long time and is one of my main goals.
Q: Is there anything else you would like the readers to know? A: Follow me on twitter @CScott60kg.
