Similar to a pit crew at a car race, aiding the race walkers on the day of the race stood out as the most memorable moment for Pierce College professor Susan Armenta, as she fulfilled her duties as an assistant coach for the U.S. team in Turkey.
Armenta is a physical education professor at Pierce who got the opportunity to work as an assistant coach for Team USA Track and Field (USATF) at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championship in Antalya, Turkey, in April.
“As assistant coaches, we help organize the training and get them to their training, but our main job is on the day of the race,” Armenta said. “We give the aid, we give them their drinks as they come around. It’s kind of like a Grand Prix, like the pit crew.”
Race walking is an Olympic sport and is a track and field event.
“One foot has to be on the ground at all times,” Armenta said. “And one leg has to be straightened on contact in front of you and as it supports your body underneath you, and then it can go into a bending position like a runner. But basically you have those two rules.”
Armenta said the team had many personal bests.
“Unfortunately, our teams didn’t qualify for the Olympics, but there were a lot of personal records and personal bests,” she said.
Lydia McGrahanon, an athlete who was part of the USATF, said she had a season best.
“This was actually my second fastest ever 20k,” McGrahanon said. “I’ve only had one other 20k faster, quite a few years ago, and it was only faster by 18 seconds.”
Head Coach Richard Roberts said Armenta’s experiences as a racewalker and American record holder made for a great coaching experience for the athletes.
“Susan brought an amazing dynamic to the coaching staff,” Roberts said. “She experienced competing in multiple national and international race blocking competitions. So that amazing insight actually enhanced the dynamic of providing the athletes with the optimal coaching experience for them.”
Roberts believes that his and Armenta’s experience made for a great combination.
“I mean, with my experience and her experience, as a former elite athlete, I don’t know of a better combination,” Roberts said. “To be honest, the energy that she brought was unmatched, and just amazing energy. And her experience was just invaluable as a former elite race walker.”
