America's race-walking couple, Nick Christie and Robyn Stevens: Trials Review; Robyn Making Olympics


America's race-walking couple, Nick Christie and Robyn Stevens: Trials Review; Robyn Making Olympics


In this episode, American 20-kilometer race-walking champs Nick Christie, Robyn Stevens, and I recap their 2020 Olympic Trials last weekend in Eugene and look forward to seeing at least one if not both at the Olympics. First, I wanted to see how Nick and Robyn's training and races went before Olympic Trials. Robyn mentions how they had not done a real from 2019 until their first 20K in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the weather was not ideal for great walking performances. Robyn and Nick finally took their first and only flight to Philadelphia in over a year. After having not used an airplane in over a year, both of them did not drink or any refreshments on a cross-country flight and arrived dehydrated and under-nourished. Robin also experiences panic attacks, and she dealt with multiple while on the flight. At the Olympic Trials, Eugene experienced record warmth, and many longer races were held early to avoid the oppressive heat. Robyn and Nick were quite experienced in running in hot, windy conditions. Nick won his 20-kilometer race in 1:31, and Robyn won in 1:35. Robin actually got to finish twice. Nick actually lapped her before she finished her race. Neither walker made the Olympic standard, but walkers do not necessarily need a the standard for an Olympic berth. This week, Robyn found out yesterday she would be going to the Olympics. Nick will not know until July 5 if he will be heading to the Olympics. In conclusion, we talk about what race-walking will be with the unpredictable climate and weather conditions in Sapporo. Robyn and Nick also discuss how it would be to race without each other. Robyn mentions this would be the longest time they would be apart from each other.