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Catching Up With Joe Kovacs - USA Outdoors

Published by
DyeStatPRO.com   Jun 22nd 2015, 4:26pm
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Defending Shot Put Champ Seeks Repeat in Eugene

By Scott Bush

It's been a big season already for defending USA shot put champion Joe Kovacs. The California-based thrower kicked off his season with a new personal best of 22.35m (73-04), throwing the best mark in the world since 2010. Kovacs followed his world-leading mark with the second and third best tosses in the world and currently ranks as the only shot putter to clear the 22 meter barrier this season. With Diamond League wins at the Prefontaine Classic and adidas Grand Prix, Kovacs now enters this weekend's competition as the pre-event favorite.

We caught up with Kovacs heading into the USA Outdoor Championships this week, discussing his big season, expectations for this weekend, the world record and so much more.

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Scott Bush (SB): You've had a great start to your season. How are you feeling heading into USA Outdoors and do you feel pretty confident you can bring home your second consecutive national title?

Joe Kovacs (JK): I'm extremely excited to head into the USA Outdoor Championships. I'm always looking to defend the title from last year but at the end of the day, the main goal is making the team for Beijing. 

SB: What changes, if anything, in your training in a week leading up to a major competition?

JK: I'm really excited for the next couple weeks of training going into the National Championships. Before major competition the emphasis shifts to timing and rhythm. It will be the first time this year that I will feel a fresh feeling into a meet. That is an amazing feeling to have!

SB: It seems you have a whole new level of top-end consistency this year. What did you work on during the off-season to take another nice step forward?

JK: This off-season I was able to really focus on the details from my coach Art Venegas. We made emphasis around all of the training to raise the minimum levels. I believe that has helped tremendously in the competitions so far this year.

SB: How have expectations shifted for you over the past 12-18 months?

JK: Being more consistent at a higher end has allowed me to choose a better planned out competition schedule. Expectations have always been high but now there is more emphasis on preparing and planning for USAs, Worlds and ultimately the Olympics.

SB: Does the American Record ever pop into your head when you are having a great training session?

JK: I never really think of it as the American Record because it is the World Record. During training, I do have our last line at 23.12 which is the current record set by Randy Barnes. I do not try to make this an emphasis. My coach Art Vanegas main emphasis in training is to raise the minimums and not put limits on anything. I believe that mentality will ultimately lead to higher competition throws, more wins, and the big goals in the back of my mind.

SB: You seem to be having a lot of fun in the ring (and out of it) this year. How important is connecting with the fans for you?

JK: I have a lot of fun throwing and even more fun competing. I love having a crowd and connecting with them. Ultimately, I am still just a big fan of our sport! As athletes we have done all the hard work in training. During the meet I don't see why we shouldn't enjoy it! 

SB: You were a good thrower in high school and the early part of college, but it's really the past few years where you've taken those next steps to become one of the best in the world. When did you really start thinking, "Hey, I can be one of the best in the world.”?

JK: I remember at a young age meeting and following my heroes in our sport. It is a true honor to be throwing next to some of them in competitions today. The hardest decision was to remain in the sport and to try and become one of the the best in the world. After college, I had to contemplate taking job offers I had at extremely competitive companies or pursue my passion in our sport.

One of the things I love about what we do is that it is so competitive! I love competition and I love putting in the groundwork that comes with being prepared. For this time of my life, I have an opportunity to become one of the best at this time. We use a tape measure not a judge, and the numbers can’t be biased.

SB: Your coach Art Venegas is quite the teacher and coach. What is one big key he's taught you that's helped you reach new levels in performance?

JK: Working with Venegas have been the best experience on and off the track. Everything has become simpler because we have a great bond together. He has taught me that in every step forward, there is a new level of expectation. Venegas has seen some of the biggest moments in our sport. Through his experiences he developed his system of training. His has broken it down to tiny details throughout the technique, running, weight room, and recovery time. I have full trust his system of training and his management of my meets this season. 



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