I want to thank everyone for taking the time to write me with your support and send me your questions. I really appreciate it. It's so wonderful to know people still follow my career after taking several years off. I must say, I was a little overwhelmed with the response, I didn't expect so many, so quickly. But, believe me, I WILL answer every one of you. It just may take me awhile. I've noticed that many of you have similar questions for me. So for right now, instead of the original Question and Answer page, We've put together a Frequently Asked Questions page. That way you can see a general answer to your question sooner. But again, you will get a personal response from me as well, as to your specific questions. And you are more than welcome to write me anytime through my contact link. I just think the FAQ will help in the meantime.

Do you still run? Why don't you compete anymore?
I get these questions all the time. Yes I still run. But not the 400 meter hurdles. I'm now training for Modern Pentathlon. You can read all about the sport on my site, but the running part of it is 3000 meters. Thats a big step up in distance from the 400 meters, so as you can imagine, my training is very different now. Plus, I am learning to balance my running training with that four other sports, which is another thing very different for me. But I really enjoy it. It is a beautiful sport. So I will be competing again, just not in Track & Field.

I've never heard of Modern Pentathlon. Is it a new sport? Is it in the Olympics?
It's really amazing to me how many people have written to me with almost the exact questions about Pentathlon. And now that I think of it, when I first learned of it, I had never heard of it before either. But it is not a new sport by any means. In fact it is one of the few Olympic sports that has ties to the ancient Olympic Games. The sport of Pentathlon can be traced as far back as 700 BC. It was incorporated into the Modern Olympic Games in 1912, by Pierre De Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Games. Its history is quite fascinating. Click here to read about it.

What are the five sports in Pentathlon?
The five sports are Running, Swimming, Fencing, Shooting, and Equestrian. There is a lot of information about the Pentathlon and the individual sports on this site. Click here to learn more about them.

We track fans really miss you! Which Sport do you like better, Track & Field or Modern Pentathlon?
Thank you! I miss you too! I really miss everything about Track & Field. It was such a big part of my life for so many years, and the sport will always be very close to my heart. As to which one do I like better, that's a difficult question, because the sports are so different. I can't really compare the two. Of course Track & Field will always be my first love, because of the years and experiences I've had with it. But the sport of Pentathlon is wonderful and exciting. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't love it. The sport is very addicting once you get started. Its a fantastic new challenge and I love that. So I don't think its really a matter of liking one better.

Would you ever consider coming back to compete in Track & Field?
I tell you what, if I could freeze time, I would compete in sports forever! But unfortunately time moves on. Right now I am completely focused on the sport of Pentathlon and probably will be for the next few years. It would be impossible to do that double, because of the time pentathlon requires. So as of right now, I would have to say no.

I really admire and support what you are doing, but I have to ask: Why would you pick such an obscure and unknown sport like Modern Pentathlon, after competing so many years in a high profile sport like Track & Field?
Sometimes life leads you down a certain path. I certainly wasn't out looking for a new sport. In fact, after Sydney, I retired from sport to fully focus on my broadcasting career. It just happened that through my work with the Olympic media I ended up working with many former Pentathletes. You can read more about this on the biography pages.

But I'm glad it happened. I love Pentathlon. I've been very lucky throughout my athletic career with the media attention and sponsors it brought. I had so much fun with the commercial part of sport. But, I've NEVER competed in sports because of the attention it brought. I did it because I LOVED IT. And I love what I'm doing now. It makes no difference to me whether its high profile or not. But I will say this, with the amount of training and dedication the sport of Pentathlon takes, it should be one of the highest profile sports ever.

How do kids go about getting involved in a sport like Pentathlon? I've never seen it as a sport in any middle, high school or college program anywhere in the country.
In America its pretty much a club sport. Most kids get involved through pony club. Right now there are many grassroots programs being put together so that kids have the opportunity to give the sport a try. You can find out more information about the specific programs by contacting the federation. Biathle is another way the federations are recruiting pentathletes. Its a fun competition that involves just running and swimming. Its for people of all ages and it falls under the umbrella of Pentathlon. You can read more about the biathle on the UIPM website.

What kind of diet you you follow? You look more fit now than you did in college, how is that possible?
Boy, I'd love to tell you that I only eat healthy foods and that I never eat anything bad for me: but everyone who knows me would know that's a lie. (ha ha) But seriously though, I do try very hard to stick to a high protein diet. I eat a lot of red meat and fish. We train so hard in Pentathlon that I usually end up eating four or five small meals a day, rather than the usual three meals per day. I try to carbo load the day before very intensive running or swimming workouts. Also, supplements are very important, Advocare is a sponsor of mine and they have very good protein supplements and things for recovery. But, I have a terrible weakness for sugar. Sometimes I just crave it, especially when I'm training so hard. So as hard as it is, I try to eat it in moderation. One thing I'll always say to people: if you are craving a chocolate bar, go ahead and eat one. I've learned that if you totally cut yourself off the cravings become worse.

My daughters are very athletic and both have long legs just like you. How do I motivate them to run every day?
I get this question a lot from parents who tell me their children show a lot of promise in running. And the truth is, whether its running or any sport, it has to be something they love to do. I don't think motivation is something you can push on your children. If they enjoy the sport, motivation will come naturally. But in my opinion, you can do things to make the sport fun for them; like cross training or running at different locations. For instance, in Wisconsin we had some the most beautiful running trails. And sometimes we'd go running at the beach, then swim afterwards. But don't push it on them. Many times out at the track, I've seen parents screaming at these young kids to run harder or do better; and it is obvious that the child is just not enjoying it. Encourage them and make it fun. Then let them decide.

You've been very successful in sports and business. What would you tell a child who wants to put off college a few years to pursue an athletic career?
I have very strong opinions on this. I believe very passionately that an education is the most important thing. And in America, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is at such a high level in Track and Field, (and all sports for that matter), which makes it the perfect place to develop and compete as an athlete, while getting your college degree. The thing is, there are no guarantees in sport. If you have a career-ending injury or any kind of big setback, then what? I know this is something no one likes to think about, but it happens every day. I've seen so many track athletes who don't have a college degree because they said they're "taking a break" to train for the Olympics or something else; and end up running for years without going back to school. Then when their career is over, they can't get a job, because their only qualification is they've been running for 10 years. I've always worked very hard to build my professional career while I was training and competing, and I'm so glad that I did. From a personal standpoint, I didn't expect to be in a car accident the year before Sydney. But because of my education and job experience, I ended up going to the Olympic Games with the media. I can't imagine how much more devastating it would have been if I had nothing else to fall back on. But the transition was easier because I still got to be a part of the Olympics in my broadcasting career.

Please encourage your son or daughter to go to college. Then if they reach the top at the NCAA level, they'll know they're well on their way to the top in World level competitions. Plus, they'll have the confidence of knowing that they always have that college degree to fall back on, no matter what happens or doesn't happen in sports.