(BEIJING, CHINA) – Four years after competing in the 2004 Olympic Games as the youngest male athlete in the United States delegation, an older and more experienced Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) has returned for another run to gold in 2008. As the first U.S. boxer since 1976 to compete in two Olympic Games, Warren has already made history. Yet he isn’t happy with solely competing, the 21-year-old has his eyes squarely fixed on gold.
He and his Olympic teammates are now settled in their routine in Beijing, and he continues to use his past experience to educate his fellow team members on the Olympic Games and everything that comes with the world’s greatest sporting event. Now coming in as the favorite at his flyweight dvision, Warren knows what it will take to claim Olympic gold. He has grown into a vocal team leader and the Team Captain took time out before his morning workout to share his thoughts as the Olympics quickly approach.
1. How are you feeling now just nine days out from the Opening Ceremonies?
I’m feeling good right now. I’m waiting for the experience to come back to my mind just like it did in 2004. I’m ready to fight to be honest; all the ceremonies are going to be good but I’m ready to compete and that’s what’s on mind. I’m ready for August 12 to show what I’m going to bring to the table this time.
2. How has being on the ground here in China affected your training?
Being here hasn’t affected my training at all, I don’t really pay attention to what’s going on. All I pay attention to is getting better everyday and working hard, helping my team push each other and getting close to that medal.
3. What is the most challenging part of being here in Beijing?
It’s not really a challenge the way I look at it. We are here for one purpose and that’s to compete and represent our country so my being here is not a challenge at all.
4. What is your favorite thing about China so far?
The silk market, where we go shop, it keeps a smile on my face and being here for the Olympics.
5. What was the one thing you wanted to make sure you brought to China?
I feel like I brought everything with me, my whole game plan. I didn’t leave anything behind, so I’m going to leave everything out in training and bring it in the ring.
6. What is a typical day like here for you in Beijing?
I get up and go work out, and then go back to village and rest. Get up again in the afternoon and go work out again and maybe on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, we spar. It’s like an everyday job.
7. Are any family and friends coming to China to support you?
My coach, Mike, my mama, Paulette and my aunt
8. What does being an Olympian mean to you?
It means a lot to me because this is my second time to come to the Olympics and I really sat and thought what does it mean. It’s a once in a lifetime for people to come here and this is my second time so it’s a blessing. Going to this Olympics was a lot of hard work and sacrifice, leaving my family to make it better for my son for when he grows up and he will understand what’s going on.
9. What is your favorite thing to eat here?
Pasta
10. What can people expect to see from you when you finally take the ring at the Workers Indoor Arena?
Speed, talent, power, experience – Rau’shee Warren.