A Conversation with Joanna Hayes - 2004 Olympic Champion in the 100m Hurdles

On August 24th 2004, Joanna Hayes won the Olympic Gold medal in the Women's 100mH in Athens, Greece. She became the first American Women to win Olympic Gold in the event since Benita Fitzgerald at the 1984 Olympics. Her winning time of 12.37 broke the Olympic Record in the event set back in Seoul 1988.

Hayes has since transitioned into coaching, now working at the University of Southern California as the Assistant Sprints and Hurdles coach. She also works with pro athletes such as Rai Benjamin, Michael Norman, Kendall Ellis, Kyra Constantine among others.

At the recent 2022 World Championships in Eugene Oregon, we sat down with Hayes to talk a bit about her history competing, perspective on the hurdles and now working as a coach. We dive into her background growing up in California, looking up to Flo-Jo, JJK and Gail Devers, and doubling in both the 100mH and 400mH. We also discuss her 2004 Olympic Gold, the current landscape of the Womens 100mH and what she loves about coaching and working with athletes now.

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