Interview with Tretez Kinnaird at the World Youth Championships in France

 

Tretez Kinnaird (Butler) is a three-time Kentucky State Champion in track and earned All-American honors in the 800m Run for the 2011 Outdoor Season.  He was the winner of the 800m at the World Youth Qualifier Meet in South Carolina earning the right to represent his country in Lille, France for the IAAF World Championship.

 

He advanced through the 1st Round today with a 4th place finish in his heat.  He runs again tomorrow at 12:15 Eastern Time.  He answered questions for KYtrackXC.com via Facebook on July 6th in France. 

 

Live Feed of the Meet

 

 

KY: What has your first couple days in France been like?

 

TK: The first couple of days have been really interesting the food is way different and you have to adapt to the different time zones.  The sights are breath taking and it is totally different from America and the TV shows are all French. lol

KY: Have you socialized with the athletes from the other countries?

 

TK: I have talked to people from other countries and it's just amazing how many languages there are in the world. Those people think we talk weird in the USA and we think the same about them. There are some nice countries and there are some.... Haha but overall talking to people from other countries really lets me know how their lifestyle is. The Opening Ceremony was AMAZING!! 130+ countries all together at the same time and everyone loved us!  We took so many pictures with other countries and they were star struck its something you can’t explain.

 

KY: What kind of Team USA gear did your get for France?

TK: The USA gear is crazy.  They provided us with 2 uniforms, multiple warm ups, hats clothes, rain coats, hoodies, sweatshirts, backpacks and much more!!! It was like Christmas in July.

KY: How does it feel to represent not just KY but the entire country in France?

 

TK: It feels like a dream come true!! I had never expected to represent my country at this early age and I give God all the glory. It makes you feel special when all the other countries were star struck of the USA because of all the struggles they have been through in their lifetimes.  The media is amazing it feels like you’re a celebrity lol but most important I love representing my state and my family because without them I wouldn't be the man I am today. Just know that hard work pays off, stay hungry, and humble because as God gave us the gift but he can take it away just as fast.

Thanks Jonathan and for the people back home I love you guys, see you when I get back!!!