Kibwe Johnson\'s stock has been on the rise since he finished in the top 8 in the Olympic Trials in the discus last year and he upped the ante when he earned a top 3 finish at the USATF Indoor Nationals this winter. He recently recorded a throw of 238\'8\" in the hammer in a meet at Arizona State. A graduate of North Gwinnett High School, Kibwe took some time to answer some questions for us. GATFXC.com: What has training with Jud Logan done for you?
Kibwe: Jud has proven to be a real catalyst for my training, both in the weightroom and in the ring. he\'s engrained in my head that there is no reason why i cant be world class NOW, as opposed to later.
GATFXC.com: What are your goals for the Indoor Championships?
Kibwe: My goals for USA indoors were to come in and win or at least get second to my training partner AG Kruger. however, i got 3rd. But it was a good season none the less. I had the seasons best throws, #2 in the world, 3rd all time US and was a toenail away from being the 3rd american ever to throw 80\'.
GATFXC.com: You\'ve had the opportunity to meet some great athletes in your travels? Who has made the biggest impact and why?
Kibwe: I cant really say any one athlete has been more of an impact over others. Its important to see how grounded these men and women are that I come across. They have all contributed.
GATFXC.com: What are your future plans in track and field?
Kibwe: My future plans in track start this coming summer at the world championships. I hope to achieve the A standard and represent the US. After that, build on the base I\'m creating now. I would love to hear the words \"US Olympic Champion\" preceed my name.
GATFXC.com: In terms of your development as an athlete, what are the most important lessons you\'ve learned over the last few years?
Kibwe: Some of the most important lessons I\'ve learned are how to lift and practice smart. Like any other athlete, your body is your temple, not to say that you have to adhere to these crazy diets at all times, but be smart about what goes in.
Kibwe finished 3rd at the USATF Indoor Nationals and owns the top mark in the US in the weight throw this year. Photos by Kirby Lee/The Sporting Image