Scott Smith Answers Questions In Advance of U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Scott Smith could be considered a veteran marathoner, but he continues to grow in the event, running a personal-best 2:11:14 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. He took the time to answer a few questions last week via email as he began his final preparations for Saturday's race in Atlanta.

Adam Kopet: You finished 15th at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, running 2:11:14. What did that performance mean to you and how are you planning to build on it at the Olympic Trials?

Scott Smith: My race in Chicago was a bit of a disappointment in the sense that I had hoped to be more competitive relative to the American field. I was the 6th American that race and if you throw in at least that many other guys who didn’t race Chicago I’m pretty far from an Olympic spot. Running a PR was nice but moving towards the trials I knew I needed to get better.

AK: You were 14th at the 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles. How do your preparations now compare to four years ago? Were there any lessons you learned in 2016 that you can apply to this year’s race?

SS: I was definitely a less proven marathoner going into the 2016 trials having only ran 2:14. I had a great segment and trained alongside Matt Llano who had run 2:12 at that time. I knew the fitness was there to put myself in contention for a spot but it was a challenge convincing myself to have the confidence to race that way. Despite not making the team I came away from that race with no regrets. I had another great buildup this year and learning that deep down I know I belong in the front of this race was a big turning point in my career moving past 2016.

AK: Prior to your Trials race in 2016, you represented the U.S. in the marathon at the 2015 World Outdoor Championships in Beijing. How do World Championships marathons, Olympic Trials marathons and big city marathons compare to each other from your experience?

SS: Every marathon from World Championships to Olympic Trials to major city marathons are unique in their own way. Of those 3 the Olympic Trials are my favorite. The magnitude of the situation creates such a fun environment to compete in. Unfortunately, I have not competed in an Olympic marathon but I imagine the atmosphere is unrivaled and I hope to find out!

AK: What would a perfect Olympic Trials race look like for you and what do you believe you will need to do to achieve it?

SS: A perfect race would be executing a patient race early and having the physical and mental toughness down the stretch to earn a spot on the team.

Watch Smith race Saturday, February 29 at 12pm ET in Atlanta, as he attempts to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. View the race live on NBC and NBC Sports Gold.