Posted: August 10, 2004

Athletics: Olympic Q&A: Breaux Greer, American Javelin Record Holder

Two-time Olympic Trials champion and American record holder Breaux Greer (27, Athens, Ga.) is on the i sl and of Crete for Team USA training camp as he prepares for Olympic javelin competition. The one-time baseball player and local rock star spoke with the press on Tuesday. Below are excerpts from the conversation. For a full bio of Greer and all Team USA track & field athletes, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2004/OlympicGames/roster_alpha.asp

Q: How did you get involved in javelin?

A: I took some time off from baseball when I was in high school, and I just sort of stuck with it. I went out to be a pole vaulter. The first day I went, I jumped 10 feet, and I was like, 'this is stupid.' My friends were doing it, and they were jumping 15 or 16 feet in high school. I was better at throwing stuff. I saw a guy in the distance throwing a javelin, so I went over there and tried it and threw farther than him. I threw for two weeks in high school, and I got a scholarship.

I thought it would come so easy because right away I was throwing distances that the top U.S. throwers were doing, but that's different than competing against the top 10 throwers in the world. I thought I'd be throwing 90 meters, no problem. And I haven't done it yet.

Q: Did you play pitcher in high school?

A: I was pitching, catching. I could throw 98 (mph). That's one reason I never got really stressed out, because I felt like I could always go back and play baseball. I don't know if I really can, but in my head that's what I think.

Q: The javelin is a pretty big event at this Olympics.

A: It is THE event. Jan Zelezny is going for his fourth gold medal, so that's going to bring some attention. He's a very positive person. Obviously, he's the greatest javelin thrower of all time. It would be a bittersweet thing if I won. I would really like to see him win - to win a fourth gold medal, it doesn't get much better than that. But I want to win.

Q: This is considered one of the most wide-open Olympic javelin competitions in recent memory. What do you think?

A: Honestly, whenever the Olympics come around, people are going to throw farther. Somebody's going to do something miraculous. There's never a small throw that wins it. A lot of people are hurt this year, but it's the Olympics and you've got no excuses. Everybody is going to rip their bodies apart trying to win.

Q: Update us on your injured left knee.

A: My knee is manageable. I tore my ACL, and it's just a pain-management deal. Sometimes I can throw through it, sometimes I can't. It's just the luck of the draw. At the Olympics, the adrenaline will be going. They're going to have to take me off in a stretcher, because I'm going to give it everything I have.

Q: Has living with Adam Nelson had an affect on you as an athlete?

A: I swear, he and [Nelson's wife] Laci both got me through it [his initial injury]. I was really upset for the longest time. They are such positive people. I was getting really down, because I could barely walk. They were really supportive, and I really, really appreciate it. They are a big reason why I do well now. I think of Adam saying to me, after the injury, 'you could cry about it, or you could do something about it.' He gave me the spiel everyday, asking, 'how do you feel?' I'd say, 'not so good,' he'd say, "No! You feel great!"

On my knee brace is a sticker that says 'my knee feels great.' That's from him. He's an awesome competitor. He is a different breed.

Q: What accounts for how well you've thrown this year, and your American record?

A: It takes forever to figure out your event. Usually you'll throw well one year, but change some stuff up with your technique. I had surgery in 2002, and in 2003 I was still recovering from it. This year, I was healthy and started throwing well. I started doing the same training as I was in 2001.

Q: Were you happy when you set the American record?

A: Not really. Throwing 87 meters doesn't make me happy. I want to be the first guy to throw over 100 meters. My ultimate goal is to throw 100 meters at the Olympics some day.

Q: Do you think you can win a medal?

A: I'm going for the gold. If I thought I was going to get the silver I would go home today.

Q: Tell us about your rock band.

A: It's called "Ifelter red letter." It's a play off The Scarlet Letter. It's crappy music. We got together in 2001. The strength coach at Georgia (Rob McIntyre) is a drummer. I was like, man you want to play sometime? He was really good, and I had to practice. Another thrower, John Newell, came to Georgia to train and he played bass and lead guitar. I'm on rhythm guitar and vocals.