Bio
Wallace Spearmon was born with sprinting in his blood. Son of a 200m Pan American Games bronze medalist, Wallace Jr. took up the event that his father excelled in years prior.
Spearmon attended Arkansas University where he became the first freshman Razorback to win the NCAA Outdoor 200-meter title. At the 2005 NCAA Indoor Championships, Spearmon defended his NCAA 200-meter men’s title by setting a then world record time of 19.91 seconds.
Spearmon specializes at the 200-meter distance and boasts a personal best time of 19.65 seconds, which was the third fastest time at that distance at that point. He won the bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the 200m distance, only later to be disqualified for stepping out of his lane. Spearmon looks to improve on that mark in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Known for his 200-meter skills, Spearmon also set the world indoor record at the 300-meter distance in 2006 with a time of 31.88. Although he doesn’t hold the world record any longer, that mark still stands as the American record, which Spearmon also holds in the indoor 200-meter (20.10).
Q & A
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When did you first start training? Where and why?
I started training as a small child; at such a young age I don't remember. My father ran track when I was a child so I accompanied him to many practices growing up.
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When did you turn pro?
In 2005 as a sophomore in college I decided to turn pro early after winning my 4th NCAA title.
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What are the events, wins, memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
My most memorable track moments would have to be: Making the Olympic team in 2008, Winning my first WC medal in 2005, and running 19.65 and 9.96 over 200m &100m.
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Word Association:
Track= Korea 19.65 race
Fun= I'm usually laughing and having fun on and off the track
Vision=I formally had cornrows and ran with a chain in my mouth lol
Friend= I'm very good friends with Usain Bolt and Darvis Patton
Foe= the 400m dash, I'm friends with everyone pretty much
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What has driven you to work super hard and rise up beyond mediocrity?
I HATE TO LOSE PERIOD! I also love to compete, doesn't really matter at what.
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Are you a rebel? Why or why not?
I'm definitely a rebel, I walk a different path than most and like to follow my rules/guidelines… Off the track
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If you weren’t killing it on a track, what would you be doing for a living?
I'd probably be in the military, I love shooting and jets. I'd prefer to be a sniper or pilot.
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Your favorite track:
Shanghai, China: the hotel is connected to the track. You can watch the meet from your hotel room - literally.
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The venue that you purely dread…and why:
The Penn Relays track. Usually when I go that means there's a 400m involved.
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Talent…other than your sport:
I'm pretty good with electronics. Also, I think I'm an awesome basketball player. I'm also a beast on Call Of Duty
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Favorite Oakley Glasses:
Radars
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Dream vacation spot:
I've been all over the world but never to the Bahamas. I want to take my family to Atlantis.
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If you had to share a hotel room/apartment with one Oakley athlete, who would it NOT be and why?
Lolo Jones because as pretty as she is I bet she snores!
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Tell me a funny story about another Oakley athlete...(We’ll never tell)
Lol No way! I've seen how this ends!
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People would be super surprised if they knew that you…
Raced cars and motorcycles for a hobby.
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What particular skills are you working on?
I'm learning to speak French and edit and produce videos.
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You’ve been mistaken for…
Ice-T, Michael Ealy, Jesse Williams
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Favorite food:
Grilled chicken (BONELESS) I don't eat meat off the bone.
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Last words…
I hid all my money in….(fades away) lol!
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Oakley London Safehouse Video:
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