SAN DIEGO – On February 27th Asia Smith won the pentathlon at the Mountain West Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, N.M. She set or tied a new personal record in all five events on her way to scoring 4,075 points, the second most in SDSU's indoor history.
Her score earned her a spot at the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships (also in Albuquerque), making her one of three pentathletes (out of 16) from non-power five schools to qualify.
On March 12, Smith was in Albuquerque, along with the Aztec 4x400m relay team, set to compete against the nation's best the following day, when the NCAA announced it was canceling the all remaining winter and spring championships, including the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships and March Madness.
GoAztecs.com recently spoke with Smith, an Escondido, Calif. native, about her breakout indoor season and the whirlwind that followed the cancellation of the championships.
GoAztecs.com: Before the season was canceled, you won gold in the pentathlon at the Mountain West Indoor Championships while setting or tying personal records in all five events. Take us through that day and the feeling you had once you secured first place
Asia Smith: I was pretty nervous going into the conference championships. My goal was to qualify for nationals. My nerves went away when I walked into the [Albuquerque] Convention Center. We have competed there many times, so it was a nice and familiar feeling.
I was surprised by how well I ran the 60-meter hurdles, my first event. I had been training really hard all year and every meet I beat by PR by a little. Then all of a sudden, I broke out 0.2 seconds faster. After that race I knew I was going to have a good meet.
I think my proudest moment was my final event, the 800-meter run. It's been a crucial determiner of my place at every multi I've competed in. I beat my time from last season by six seconds and it was the very first time I didn't drop down a place after running it. When they announced that I scored 4,075, I was surprised with myself. I had a good feeling that I had qualified for nationals and it felt unreal.
GoAztecs.com: Your pentathlon score was the second-best in SDSU's indoor history and the top indoor score ever for an Aztec junior. What do those type of accomplishments mean to you?
Smith: Having my name in the SDSU record books is an amazing feeling. Coach B [head coach Shelia Burrell] always emphasizes leaving your legacy as an Aztec. Being recognized alongside former Aztecs like Shanieka (Thomas) Ricketts, Allison (Reaser) Halverson, Ashley Henderson and Bonnie Draxler is such an honor, but I won't be fully satisfied until I get a school record in either the heptathlon or pentathlon!
GoAztecs.com: You qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships and were in Albuquerque ready to compete the next day when you found out the championships (and eventually the season) would be canceled. What was your first reaction? What did Coach Burrell say to you and the 4x4 relay team?
Smith: I was really disappointed to find out the NCAA Championships were canceled. We were in our hotel room and my phone was blowing up with our team group messages. I was getting very anxious as schools began to cancel practices and pull teams from meets. When they officially announced the cancellation, I was in disbelief. It didn't really hit me until a few days later. Coach B was just as surprised and disappointed as us. At the moment we weren't fully aware of how big of an impact this would have on our team and school.
GoAztecs.com: Now a month later, you've had time to reflect on your season getting cut short. Has your point of view changed?
Smith: Since all of this happened, I understand cancelling the season was a necessary move. Although it's disappointing, we are doing it to protect more than just ourselves. I am also grateful to still have my senior year. My heart truly goes out to all the senior student-athletes who didn't get their final season.
GoAztecs.com: You have improved each year at SDSU, what (or who) do you attribute your success to?
Smith: I have improved each year because of our program. As a former Olympic heptathlete, Coach B knows exactly what it takes to win individually and as a team. I push myself to do better so I can be a good representation of an Aztec and encourage my teammates to do the same. I want to prove San Diego State is just as good, or better, than any power five school.
GoAztecs.com: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
Smith: I'm from North County, so I think SDSU was a perfect place for me. I'm close enough to home, but far enough to have independence. On top of that, I could tell Coach B was knowledgeable and would push me to be successful.
GoAztecs.com: What influence has Coach Burrell had on your career?
Smith: Coach B has helped me reach potential I never thought I had. There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am to be her athlete. She is good at reading people, so she knows how to coach me in a way that can understand. I have such a good relationship with her, and she has inspired me to be outstanding in all aspects of my life.
GoAztecs.com: How does a pentathlete or heptathlete train? How do you decide what events to focus on?
Smith: Training for the multis isn't for everyone. We have to build both stamina and speed. It's all about extending strengths and minimizing weaknesses. We usually go through three events every practice. I think my favorite practices are when we do hurdles, high jump and shot put, my favorite three events. In my opinion, the heptathlon is the most fun event to compete in. Since everyone has different strengths, you get to focus on yourself and see how well you can do in each event. The score and placement at the end is just a bonus. You get seven chances to be better than you were before.
GoAztecs.com: Where are you sheltering right now? What are you doing to stay busy? How are you training/staying in shape?
Smith: Right now, I am staying at my apartment here in San Diego. I have seen my family once, but I don't want to leave often to be sure that I'm not putting anyone at risk. I have gone on runs in the neighborhood and I do exercises that are possible inside. Besides that, I have been cooking more and trying to learn some of my family's recipes.
GoAztecs.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
Smith: I think my favorite athlete is [American sprinter] Allyson Felix. Not only is she talented on the track, but she is an advocate for other women and mothers. To me, it is important to have a purpose to what you are doing. I hope to use my voice to help others the way she has.
GoAztecs.com: What is your major? What is your dream job?
Smith: I'm currently majoring in communication, and I am picking up a minor in television, film, and new media. I am considering becoming a professional athlete when I graduate. After that, I want to work as a broadcaster. My ultimate goal would be to host a reality or game show.