AC - Looking back at 2017, how do you evaluate the season and your accomplishments?
SW - It was an amazing season for me. I was somewhat upset with my performance after the Olympic Games in 2016 and wanted to make a change. I set high expectations for myself and made a commitment to getting better on the track. I finished my collegiate career with an NCAA National Championship. It was very exciting and emotional to win that race, because it was something I worked so hard towards while competing in university. Being the 2017 NCAA Champion is something that I will forever have with me. I am so grateful to have been able to finish my collegiate career on top with the support of my coach and the University of Arizona. When it came time for Worlds I only had one thing on my mind and that was to make the final and be competitive. After missing the final in Rio I was determined to make it in London. It was very exciting to compete in my first World Championship final, but I did fall a little short of my goals. Overall, I am grateful for the wonderful year I had in 2017.
AC - How did you recharge following the outdoor track season?
SW - Once the season was over, I made sure to recharge my body and then went home to Alberta to spend the month of September with my family on our Ranch. It was very relaxing to be home and I loved spending time with my family after such a long season of traveling and constantly being on the go.
AC - You were recently named to the Commonwealth Games team. What are your goals for the Games and the rest of the 2018 season?
SW - My goal is to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in the 400-metre hurdles. I am really looking forward to representing Canada and experiencing my first Commonwealth Games. In 2018, my goals are to finally get the Canadian record in the 400-metre hurdles and to be a top competitor in the world.
AC - What is your current training setup?
SW – Currently, I train and live in Tucson, Ariz. The University of Arizona allows its Olympic and World Championship alumni to use the training facilities, so I am really lucky to be able to train in such a great and positive environment at the university. My coach is Fred Harvey; he is one of the greatest people I have ever known. He truly motivates me and pushes me to be the best I can be. I still train with some of the university’s athletes, but my main training partner is 2012 Olympian Georganne Moline. She has been an amazing training partner for me, because she keeps me motivated and pushes me in all of our practices.
AC - What memories do you have of competing in Montreal?
SW - I believe it was back in 2013 for the Canadian Junior Championships. I love Montreal, I think it is such a beautiful city. I was able to go down to Old Montreal when I visited in 2013 and that was probably one of my favourite memories of the city. I am mostly looking forward to being back home in Canada and competing in front of a Canadian crowd.
You can follow Sage at:
Instagram - @sagewatson
Facebook - Sage Watson
Twitter - @SageWats
YouTube - Sage Watson
For more information about Sage and the field for #MTLGP18, visit https://athletics.ca/championnat/2018mtlgp.