The Square Life

So what does it feel like to be an Olympian? Square Magazine recently caught up with U.S. Steeplechase Olympian, and BYU alum, Josh McAdams to find out. This is what he had to say.

SQ: Was being an Olympian a dream of yours growing up?

JM: Honestly, I dreamt of being an Olympian until about 8th grade. Then reality set in, and I came to the realization that becoming an Olympian is very tough. For about 12 years that dream must have gone into my subconscious somewhere.

SQ: What was your favorite Olympic moment (before you became an Olympian yourself)?

JM: Walking into the Birds Nest during the opening ceremonies was such an incredible experience. I had to do a seven-twenty to get a perspective of everything. There were just so many fans
and athletes. The energy down on the floor and in the stadium was immeasurable.

SQ: Why steeplechase? There are easier ways to torture oneself, aren't there?

JM: No. There aren't. It's really easy to torture yourself when there's 90,000 people watching. People will do anything for attention...even run a race that's meant for horses. But really I love it because it's such a physically demanding event. I love it because it requires athleticism and endurance. Distance runners aren't typically known for their coordination.

SQ: You didn't make the final in your event. How has that inspired you? Are you going to continue the dream?

JM: At Osaka in 2006, I was so close to making the final. I knew then that I could run with the Big Boys. In Beijing, I just didn't have it. It was one of those days where you don't know what happened. Runners live for those days where they feel so good and are able to push past the pain. Race days are like
that sometimes too. I still want those days and those races.

SQ: You've won some big-time competitions (e.g. national title, Pan Am gold). If you never raced again, what is the highlight of your running career?

JM: Winning the 2006 NCAA Championships. I was representing more than just myself, and I was the underdog. Well, I wasn't even the underdog since I was probably the 3rd dog behind the underdog. Ha! And to wear BYU for the last time and win a big race was such a great feeling.

SQ: What was one moment during the Beijing Olympics when you were in awe?

JM: Watching Usain Bolt crush the world record while celebrating the last 20 meters. I wish I had wheels like that.

SQ: Much was said and written about China during the games. What was your overall impression of the place?

JM: It was a fantastic and mystical place. Like a fairy tale. Just kidding. But in a way there is just so much ancient history that is still present all around. I am not a history fan, but being in China made me wnat to learn all about their history. The food was okay...if not eaten from the streets. And the bartering for anything was the highlight of most days.

SQ: What was your overall impression
of the Chinese people?

JM: They were all so kind and patient. I think many of the taxi drivers were hesitant at first until they realized we give tips which isn't customary in China. The younger generation are
definitely fans of the USA. Or at least they love Friends and other TV shows we have.

SQ: I imagine you met some famous
sports figures. Who was one person you met that you were really excited to meet?

JM: Deron Williams. Honestly, I don't follow the NBA or other professional sports, and I wasn't totally awestruck by the Team. I was excited after talking to Williams because he said he had just watched the steeplechase on TV. He was really interested and had
some good questions for me about it. I thought that was rad.

SQ: Were you able to attend any
events besides those at the track?

JM: We went to some random ones. Women's indoor volleyball, women's basketball, women's field hockey, and fencing. Stayed for about 20 minutes of fencing. I got my life's fill of that.

SQ: You've left Provo, but what is one thing you'll miss about the area?

JM: We are already in Memphis and already missing the mountains, and Cold Stone, and Los Hermanos, ooh and Granny Sycamore bread. Definitely the
Granny Sycamore bread.