Exclusive Interview: “Shot Diva” Michelle Carter Wins Gold At The Rio Olympics 2016

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

8 years ago

Michelle Carter (born October 12, 1985) is an American shot putter, and the current Olympic women’s champion. She is the current American record holder in the event with a distance of 20.63 m (67 ft 8 in) set at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Carter won the 2016 gold medal at the Rio Olympics on the last of her six throws, edging two-time defending champion Valerie Adams of New Zealand. In doing so, Carter became the first United States women’s athlete to win the event since the women’s competition began at the 1948 Summer Olympic Games in London, England, and only the second American to win any medal (Earlene Brown, bronze medal, 1960).

She also won the silver medal at the 2001 World Youth Championships and the gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships. She finished fifteenth at the 2008 Olympic Games and fifth at the 2012 Olympic Games.

In addition to winning the 2008 United States Olympic Team Trials was the 2009, 2011 and 2014 National Champion. While competing for the University of Texas, she won the Collegiate National Championship in 2006.

Carter is a graduate of Red Oak High School in the Red Oak, Texas. Her father, Michael Carter, is also a former Olympian and NFL star-the only athlete to win an Olympic medal and a Super Bowl ring in the same year. Both Michelle and her father hold the current National High School Record in the Shot Put, the only such father and daughter situation.

Michelle set her record in 2003 while winning the Texas state championship, her father’s record has been unchallenged since 1979.

After finishing as the runner-up at the 2012 Olympic Trials, Carter was presented her silver medal by gospel artist Kirk Franklin. Carter completed an epic double in 2013, capturing gold at the USA Indoor and USA Outdoor Championships.

Carter is the national prep record-holder in the shot put at 16.73m/54-10.75, while her father, Michael, set the still-standing national boys prep record of 81-3.5 in 1979. She was a four-time Texas 4A state champion in the shot put, also set state record in the discus. A standout shot putter and NFL nose guard, Carter’s father Michael is the only person to win an Olympic medal and Super Bowl ring in the same year. He won three Super Bowl titles with the 49ers. She has one sister, D’Andra, who was a thrower at Texas Tech, and one brother, Michael, Jr.

Two-time Olympian, American Record Holder, 7-time USA Champion, and 2015 World Championship Bronze Medalist, Michelle Carter, has excelled at the national and international level of track and field for more than a decade. Michelle was also a stellar athlete in high school who won four back to back 4A track and field championships in the shot put and discus, garnering the state record in discus. Daughter of shot putter, 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and San Francisco 49ers nose guard, Michael Carter was the national girls’ prep record-holder in the shot put at 16.73m/54-10.75. It was in 2013, broken by Raven Saunders. Her father, Michael, is still the standing national boys’ prep record of 81-3.5, set in 1979. Michael and Michelle Carter are the only father-daughter duo of their kind.

Raised in Texas, Michelle Carter received a full track scholarship to The University of Texas, where she graduated in 2007 with a degree in Youth and Communities Studies, and a minor in Kinesiology. Making a name for herself, she has been featured in Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, ESPN, Network, ESPN The Magazine, NBC, The Sacramento Bee, Track and Field News in addition to many others. Michelle Carter is also a certified Professional Makeup Artist with a passion for beauty. Michelle uniquely blends her passion for throwing and beauty, forming the name “ShotDiva”.

Michelle is the founder of “You Throw Girl Sports Confidence Camp”, a sports camp that focuses on the complete female athlete through confidence building and athletic empowerment. As owner of Shot Diva’s Makeup, one of her favorite quotes is “When you look good…you feel good and you will do good”. She’s a firm believer in bringing beauty on the inside, out.

Michelle has a passion for encouraging others to become all that they can be, to think outside the box, and surpass limitations. As one of her favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:13, states, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Knowing where her strength comes from she is ready to face all obstacles that come her way.

Achievements of Michelle Carter

USATF Championships

Six-time USATF Outdoor champion – 2008 (18.85m/61-10.25); 2009 (18.03m/59-2); 2011 (19.86m/65-2); 2013 (20.24m/66-5); 2014 (19.45m/63-9.75); 2015 (20.2/65
-8.25)
Two-time USA Indoor champion – 2013 (19.41m/63-8.25); 2014 (18.45/60-6.5)
Three-time USA Outdoor runner-up – 2005 (18.26m/59-11); 2010 (18.46m/60-06.75); 2012 (18.57m/60-11.25)
Two-time USA Junior champion – 2003 (16.05m/52-8); 2004 (16.33m/53-7)
2012 USA Indoor runner-up (19.27m/63-2.75)

International Championships

2015 World Championship Bronze Medalist (3rd)
2014 Continental Cup (2nd)
2012 Indoor World Championships (3rd)
2011 Pan American bronze medalist (18.09m/59-4.25)
2004 World Junior champion (17.55m/57-7)
2003 Pan American Juniors gold medalist (16.23m/53-3)
2012 World Indoor bronze medalist (19.58m/64-3)

Collegiate Championships

2006 NCAA Indoor champion (18.56m/60-10.75)
2005 NCAA Indoor (17.86m/58-7) & Outdoor (17.06m/55-11.25) runner-up

Awards and Honors

American Outdoor record holder (20.24m/66-5)

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Michelle Carter is exceptionally talented and highly accomplished American shot putter. She is two-time Olympian, American Record Holder, seven time USA Champion and 2015 World Championship Bronze Medalist. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You was born in San Jose, California and raised in Ovilla,Texas, after graduating from The University of Texas, you went on to become a world leading athlete specializing in the shot put. You reached the pinnacle of success on being two-time Olympian, American Record Holder and 7-time USA Champion in shot put. What factors do you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?

Ms. Michelle Carter: The main factor I consider is my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His blessings. Hard work, never giving up and believing in myself. It would’ve been easy to stop at my first Olympics but I knew I had more in me and I still have more in me. I want to be the best, but most importantly I want to be my best.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?

Ms. Michelle Carter: To be a thrower you have to be a great overall athlete. So in my workout I lift weights, throw, plyometrics, and sprints. I have to be in good shape. In college I would tell my teammates that that my workouts were harder than theirs. I wouldn’t work out with them on the track and I still had to go throw and lift weights. I was always the last one there. There’s a lot that goes into throwing the shot put that people don’t think about.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Ms. Michelle Carter: I have always followed a balanced meal and just add extra protein. In the past few years there have been changes in my health. I struggle with hypothyroidism. I am taking my diet more serious and learning what works for the body I have now. I am still working on it. The main thing I am working on is eating clean. Eating whole foods and eliminating process foods out of my diet.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar: Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding girl athletes who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of women shot put?

Ms. Michelle Carter: The advice I would like to give to inspiring future women shot-putters is be true to you. Work hard and never give up and think outside the box. Don’t let people box you in especially for a sport that women are not known to do. I want them to know that muscles are beautiful, you are beautiful and your body is beautiful. Work with what you have and master it.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: How did you feel before and after your memorable win of bronze medal at the 2012 World Indoor Championship (19.58m/64-3ft)?

Ms. Michelle Carter: Before I won the bronze medal in 2012 I was nervous. I have practiced hard right and had good off-season. I knew that I can be on the podium before I got to the Championships. After the championships I was extremely happy I felt that reaching the podium was a sign to what I can do in outdoor season. I was happy to accomplish one of my goals and it was definitely a confidence booster.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: How has your educational background of a degree in’ Youth and Community Studies with a Minor in Kinesiology’ been a catalyst in your path of success in being an exceptionally accomplished athlete and a spectacular achiever in the sport of shot put?

Ms. Michelle Carter: Having a Kinesiology background has helped me understand how the body works. I’m able to understand why my body needs to do in order to complete a movement. Learning a new technique or working on timing, I’m able to break it down not just from an athlete point of view but also scientifically how my body works. I am able to isolate certain muscles. I can figure out what muscles I need to work and identify which muscles I need to strengthen. Learning the human body and understanding it gives you an advantage.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You won gold at the 2004 World Junior champion (17.55m/57-7). Elaborate your experience on this exceptional performance?

Ms. Michelle Carter: Winning gold at world Junior championships was about proving to myself that I can do this. After I completed my freshman season it was rough I wasn’t sure if this is what I wanted to. I started doubting my skills. After making the team I realize I enjoy this and I have to go out there and do this for me. I couldn’t throw for my parents or for my coaches. I have to prove to myself that I have what it takes to win. I went out and had an exceptional performance. I surprise myself.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have won six-time USATF Outdoor champion – 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015, Two-time USA Indoor champion – 2013 & 2014, Three-time USA Outdoor runner-up – 2005, 2010, 2012, Two-time USA Junior champion – 2003 & 2004, (16.33m/53-7) and 2004 World Junior champion. What responsibility these wins bestow upon you in your future efforts and activities in the field of athletics with specifically in shot put?

Ms. Michelle Carter: I have the responsibility to keep pushing the standard and to pave the way for those coming after me. When you’re able to go out there and be great at something you set the bar for everybody else. I want to set the bar high for others to know that this is possible and that you can do this. I know that my wins are not just about me but I am an example to others that you can be great.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar: Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success?

Ms. Michelle Carter: My biggest influencer and motivators has been my parents. My parents are hard on me because they can see great things in me. I believe that everybody at some point in their life, need somebody to help stretch their imagination and vision. Because my parents believed in me and saw something in me that I wasn’t able to see in myself, I can push myself and keep working hard. I believe and trust my parents.They have influenced me and motivated me to reached my full potential.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You are also a certified Professional Makeup Artist with a passion for beauty. You have uniquely blended your passion for throwing and beauty, forming the name “ShotDiva”. Tell us more about this endeavor of your?

Ms. Michelle Carter: I’ve always been a Diva, but I actually thought of calling myself ShotDiva when I was at the University of Texas. I was the only thrower on the team. All of the runners would call themselves track diva. Since I wasn’t a trackdiva I don’t want to be field diva so I called myself ShotDiva because I throw the shot and I’m a Diva. It has stuck with me ever since.

My passion of beauty has been there ever since I was little girl I’ve always wanted to wear make up nails and wigs and I play dress up like crazy. I wasn’t allowed to wear make up outside the house but inside the house I was going to have on my snap on nails, eye shadow and red lipstick and I love it. When I made my first Olympic team in 2008 after the competition I was getting dressed to go out, I had on dress and heels.

When I walked out and saw everyone else in jeans I said I thought we were going out. They said we are and said like that? Lol… So the next time we went out people asked me to help with their makeup and then a couple of more. Someone asked me have I ever thought about becoming a makeup artist, I said no. She said that I should look it up. As soon as I came home after the Olympics I decide to take classes in the fall to learn how to do makeup because I enjoyed doing it. Growing up I used to paint and draw so this is almost like an extension of painting and drawing but it’s on someone’s face.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: With exceptional hard work you are credited with all your achievements. One of your favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:13, states, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” You are a committed Christian. Do you believe that does the hand of Providence (Supreme Being) played a role in your success?

Ms. Michelle Carter: Yes I do believe that The Lord has everything to do with what I do. He has given me these gifts and talents not for myself but to share with others His gift of love.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?

Ms. Michelle Carter: Womenfitness.net is a wealth of knowledge for a healthy mind and body. Read up and eat up…

To know more about Michelle Carter, check her out at: http://www.shotdiva.com/

To know the latest from Michelle Carter, check her out at:

Women Fitness Team thanks Michelle Carter for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.

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