What happens after you win the 2012 Olympic silver medal in track? If you’re American hurdler Lashinda Demus, you go for gold! The track star, who is also a 2011 World gold medal recipient and holds the American record in the 400m hurdles, recently chatted with radio personality Georgia Ellyse on her Midday Show at 89.9FM/KMOJ. Demus revealed items on her bucket list, how she redefines beauty and her return after having twins.
On redefining beauty
First, I had to love myself and accept myself as it is. And, I think it made it easier. If i showed other women how beautiful they are. If I am see something in another woman that I wish I ad, then I’ll compliment that person. Tell them how they are beautiful I think that love is the key to everything. It’s not a word, it’s a feeling. It’s a word of action.
Twin hurdles
In 2006, I was actually ranked number one in the world. After getting ready to train for the next season, I found out I was pregnant [with twins]. I thought my life was completely over. … What helped me going through it, especially in pregnancy, [was] my mom. … My mom also was a track runner and she came back. [She] basically told me everything to expect and how to get over little humps that you go through coming back as an athlete.
I am still trying to find the perfect balance of having a family and a career. It’s hard work. I give it up to single moms because I have a husband and we’re here doing the double team thing. My hat goes off to women who don’t have that other partner.
Next up?
I definitely want to get the gold medal. I already have the American record in my event. I want the world record, too. I tell people I have a bucket list and I knocked two out in one race in one year, so, I still have time to do the last two — which is the world record and the gold medal and those are the two things I’m looking forward to in this career.
Press play below for full interview.