Keinan Briggs

Profession: Triple Jump

Questionnaire

What does your standard training week involve? My week is filled with plyometrics, sprints, weight training, yoga, video analysis, and a lot of meditation.

Where is your favorite place to train? Just about any track in sunny Southern California. I am a fan of beautiful scenery and Southern California has it.

What is your favorite race? Any meet held at The University of Oregon’s Hayward Field is my favorite, the history there is amazing and the venue breeds peak performances. My dream would be to compete at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA.

What is your favorite 2XU garment? When do you use it and why? The Elite Compression Tights are my favorite. They’re the most comfortable Tights on the market. I train and lounge in them just about every day.

What is your favorite accessory? (heart rate monitor, power meter, pool buoy, etc...) My favorite accessory is the 2XU Transition Bag. I think I have something in every compartment and there is still available space. The best part about the bag is the bottom section that regulates temperature, it keeps my snacks cool.

What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it? Dealing with injuries has been tough. 2011 USA Track and Field Indoor Championships I tore my quadricep on my 5^th round attempt. I spent most of the season rehabbing and regaining my strength. I have made adjustments to listen to my body better and spend more time stretching. I have also been putting more effort into my nutrition and hydration.

What is the most common training mistake you see? The most common training mistake is over training. Many times we want to succeed so bad we just go, go, go. Rest is a key element we tend to forget.

What motivates you to train and race harder? There is no grey area in Track and Field, either you win or lose. My motivation is winning. Winning every practice, every drill, and every jump helps create higher expectations of myself. The greatest athletes expect to be the greatest in every aspect of life.

Describe your diet/ meal plan leading up to a big race? I tend to eat lighter because my nerves are going crazy. I eat pastas, fish, and a lot of veggies. My pre meet favorite is sushi (spicy tuna) and my favorite post meet snack is frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt is my reward only after a good performance.

How do you balance your training and racing life with life outside the sport? Track and Field is all I know. I am the Jumps Coach at Mater Dei High School so I am on the track all day. It is easy to balance life because I don’t have a life. Track and Field is all I have time for and I do not mind it.

What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful? You will always find Honey Peanut Butter in my training bag, it holds me down.

What is the best thing about being a professional athlete? The best thing about being a professional athlete is getting the chance to inspire athletes. Growing up I looked up to many athletes as role models and I want to be a motivation to someone.

 What is the worst thing about being a professional athlete? The worst thing about being a professional athlete is learning how to live without until you make it.  You ask any professional athlete how he/she made it, sacrifice will always be a part of the equation.

In five years I will be..... A house-hold name