Track & Field News Runner Of The Month
Bianca Knight

by Jeff Hollobaugh

Bianca Knight has been on fire this winter, confirming her status as the nation's fastest returning sprinter. Last year she ran 11.38 and 23.06 outdoors, ranking No. 2 and No. 4 in the T&FN High School All-American ratings. She has also run 52.96, and the year before was No. 3 in the 400.

As February began, the junior from Ridgeland, Mississippi, led the nation at three sprint distances indoors, earning her the title of our High School Runner Of The Month for January.

Knight's fabulous first month found her opening at the LSU Classic, where her 6.79 over 55m moved her to =No. 5 all-time. At the Arkansas Invitational she twice lowered the junior-class record in the 60, with 7.30 in her heat and 7.29 in the final. She also lowered the 11th-grade 200 record to 23.44. And at the Carl Lewis Invitational she dropped the 60 record still lower: 7.26. Both the 60 and 200 times rank her =No. 3 on the all-time list.

T&FN: How did your records feel?

Knight: Those races felt like they were supposed to. My training told me that I was ready to run in the 7.2s. But I did better in the 200 than I thought I would. But as to them being records, I didn't know that at the time. I read it the next day.

T&FN: Are you getting more comfortable running indoors?

Knight: I've gotten very comfortable with the 60m. I can judge how fast I'm going and I know how to run as fast as I want.

T&FN: How about the 200?

Knight: The 200 has always been my favorite. I love the 200.

T&FN: What's next for you?

Knight: It was going to be the Tyson Invitational, but my state association said I couldn't run there against collegians. So I had to forfeit that one and I will be running in the Simplot Games instead.

T&FN: What do you do on the way to these far-away meets?

Knight: Texas and Arkansas aren't that far, so we drive there. Its about six or seven hours. I sleep or talk on the phone.

T&FN: And eat power food?

Knight: Basically the same junk as everyone else. But on days of meets I hardly eat anything.

T&FN: How's your cell phone bill?

Knight: I always wait until after 7:00 or on weekends.

T&FN: Which nationals will you run in?

Knight: It looks like Ill be running at the Nike Indoor Classic again. The only reason I would want to run at the Armory would be to run the 200 on a banked track, but I did that at Arkansas. Now there's no need for the Armory.

T&FN: Has your indoor success changed any of your goals for outdoors?

Knight: The times sound almost unrealistic, what they mean for my outdoor goals. Now we're looking at maybe running in the 10.9s.

T&FN: Once you told an interviewer that you would consider skipping college to go pro. Is that true?

Knight: No, that was just one of those things you say. Now, I'm definitely going to college.

T&FN: In 2008, you'll only be a college frosh. You'll be a baby for the Trials.

Knight: The way I've been running, I'm already as fast as the pros. I think Ill be ready.

T&FN: What if your dreams don't come true as fast as you hope? It might take longer. Are you in it for the long haul?

Knight: I'm in it for as long as I can. I don't want to run forever. I'd like to start a family, be in the real world, get a job. Maybe I could have a family and come back to track. But I hope to stay in it as long as my body lets me.

T&FN: You used to play a lot of football. If there were real pro football for women, would you play?

Knight: I'm a tomboy. I love playing boys sports. That's really how I started running. I would consider pro football as long as it wasn't tackle. I have a fragile body. I know my limitations.

T&FN: Has a fragile body given you injury problems in track?

Knight: Not really. I strained a hamstring 2Ð3 years ago. It still bothers me sometimes not when I run, but only after I'm done.

T&FN: You're winning big this year. Does it feel frighteningly easy?

Knight: No, I feel like I'm coming back. Last year was by far my worst year I ever had. This year I feel like I'm just getting back to normal.

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