Spikes20 Apr 2016


Johnny Dutch

FacebookTwitterEmail

Did You Know Johnny Dutch

What's ballet got to do with hurdling? US 400m hurdler Johnny Dutch explains.

1. I used to do ballet

“In the fall of 2013 I took ballet lessons for three months. I'd read how ballet dancers always seemed so in tune with their body; it seemed like a form of yoga. I’d also read how football players had used ballet to improve that flexibility and that gave me a push to do it.

“Yes, I wore tights for three months. It was fun, although I must have been an awkward sight in a class that was otherwise full of teenage girls.

“It was very strict and very intense. I once got told to spit out my gum and I thought ‘oops, sorry’.

“I quit after three months because I had the indoor season coming up and I found the process quite expensive. While I found it was useful, I did not want to take on board their teachings of being quite flat-footed with your toes pointed forward as I didn't think this would be best for my hurdling.

“I try to do something new every season to get my mind and body in tune and I fancy next giving yoga a go.”

2. I have a sweet tooth

“I have a real sweet tooth. When I’m eating out, I’ll always be first to look at the dessert menu.

“I think because of this, breakfast is my favourite meal of the day because it is a sweet meal. I can savour the sweetness at breakfast because it can include maple syrup, cereal etc.

“My favourite breakfast would include scrambled eggs with bacon, crispy potato wedges, a waffle with powdered sugar and maple sugar, a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon and a glass of apple juice.”

3. I’ve never seen Star Wars

“I own my own film production company and I make movies. Each fall I’ll write a script and make a movie and one day I would love to win an Oscar.

“Some of my favourite films, such as The Lion King and Jurassic Park, I’ve seen over and over, so people would be surprised to hear that I’ve never seen a Star Wars movie. I’m not really a fan.

“I don’t know why I’ve never seen a Star Wars movie. I’ve nothing against the franchise, but for some reason it has never really interested me.”

Pages related to this article
Athletes