5 Questions with Athlete and Alum Grace Claxton

Grace Claxton trains for the 2020 Olympics at UAlbany last week. The 26-year-old alum also competed in the 2016 Games. (Photo by Erica Miller/Daily Gazette)

Claxton's image has graced signs and banners around UAlbany; last week she got one as a souvenir. (Photo by Brian Busher)

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 3, 2020) — Former standout track & field hurdler and sprinter Grace Claxton is setting her sights in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Now 26, the 2016 alum, who studied Public Health, competed for her native Puerto Rico in the 2016 Olympics and returned to Albany last month to continue her training for the Summer Games. She’s looking to qualify in the 400 hurdles, but could also compete in the 1,600-meter relay.

After a week in Albany, Claxton is now in Orlando training with her Olympic coach. But the cold February temperatures couldn’t dissuade her from getting in form under the guidance of her old coach, Roberto Vives.

Why did you decide to train in Albany in February?

One of the biggest reasons I decided to stay and train in Albany in February is because I enjoy training directly with Coach Vives. The other reason is because the indoor track season runs from January to March and I personally feel that competing during the indoor season helps me a lot and is a great way to prepare for outdoor.

What was the biggest takeaway from the 2016 Olympics?

My biggest takeaway from 2016 was learning that no matter how nervous I may feel at that moment I should always remember that I have worked just as hard as anyone, that I have earned my qualifying spots, and that I am good enough to compete with the best in the world.

What is going through your mind at the starting line, in front of a crowd of 80,000?

As we start walking out toward the stadium my nerves are racing. But once I stand behind my starting blocks I take a deep breath and remember all of the quotes that my coach told me. One of them is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I pray, and then I take another deep breath to block out all of the noise surrounding me. That helps me focus.

You are a volunteer coach for the Track & Field team at UAlbany — what advice do you give your athletes?

I always tell the younger athletes to keep pushing, to keep fighting for what you love, and to have fun with it and to never give up.

What does it mean to you to be representing Puerto Rico on the international stage?

It is an overwhelmingly joy and pride. I feel like there is no perfect way to describe or to answer this question. It brings me so much emotion and happiness knowing that I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. And now, having the opportunity to represent my country on the international stage brings me an overwhelming sense of joy and pride.

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