DeLoach overcomes flu, field to win hurdles at Millrose Games
Janay DeLoach
The 30-year-old clocked a time of 7.85 seconds to claim her second hurdles title at the Millrose Games since 2014 in 7.91. That was the same year she also established her personal best of 7.82.
“The race felt pretty good considering I’ve had the worst cold I’ve had in years,” she told me. “I took a couple different cold meds and tried to just tough it out.”
DeLoach, of Eielson High fame, credits her success to precise training focused on mastering her mechanics.
“My coach and I realize that better technique usually wins the races and we’ve been working on the little things as best we can,” she said. “Right about now I’m looking to carry over the practice to actual race.”
In 2013, DeLoach won the long jump at the Millrose Games.
“The Millrose Games are so much fun,” she said. “I love being able to go there because that’s when I get my first game of great competition. I only go into these meets with one thing on my mind. Execute and try to win at any cost.”
DeLoach is actually better known for the long jump. In 2012, she won a bronze medal at the Olympics and a silver medal at Worlds.
She’s a world-class athlete in two events.
They call it the ‘DeLoach Double.’
“Hard work pays off. Being good in two disciplines is all hard work,” she said. “I may be a little obsessive about it but if I wasn’t I wouldn’t be where I am.”
DeLoach has qualified for this summer’s Olympic Trials in the long jump and 100 hurdles.
She’s not looking for respect for doing two events; she’s looking to be the best in two events.
“To me, success is a medal. The meets are just preparation for when performance really counts at world championships and the Olympics,” she said. “I’m preparing every day at practice and critiquing every race and jump competition so that on that one day, where a medal is in reach, I’m ready.”