Olympian Profile: Natasha Hastings

Specialty: 400m, 4x400m Relay

What is your greatest achievement on the track?

I have two. The pinnacle for track is the Olympics, so having won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics with the women’s 4x400m relay was awesome. Individually, it was winning the national championships in 2013. It was coming off of not making the Olympic team the year prior in addition to battling the adjustment to professional life. That was my breakthrough season and a big, confidence-boosting moment for me.

What is your greatest achievement off the track?

Finding and being okay with who I am. I feel like, having been an athlete my whole life, there were certain goals or a lifestyle that was expected. Because I was an athlete and I was under a microscope I felt like I was supposed to be a certain person. Coming into my womanhood, expressing and owning that is 
my biggest accomplishment.

How do you think you’ve grown since your last Olympics?

Well, I’m eight years older. I think what has helped me learn the most in my personal and athletic career is understanding that there are no mistakes and everything happens the way it’s supposed to. No matter what, it’s going to be okay. I’m going to be on the Olympic team this summer, but if I’m not, then I wasn’t supposed to and it’s okay! It could be a lot worse. Cherish the bad moments because there’s always a lesson to be learned.

Favorite quote?

Again, I have two.
First, it’s the last thing I say to myself before I get into the blocks at every race: “I can do all things through Christ.”
My other would be, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you run good.” That’s why I run in fake eyelashes and purple hair.

What does life look like after track and field?

I hope to be a wife and a mom. I also plan on maybe going back to school to be a chiropractor. And then I have a few other business endeavors I’d like to pursue, so add “entrepreneur” to the list.
(P.S. She’s single & looking for Mr. Right!)