Eastern junior hurdler Chandra Golden is coming off a solid 2007 performance, placing first and third at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships in the 55- and 400-meter hurdles, respectively. She recently sat down with Staff Reporter Bob Bajek to talk about winning two campus contests, her obsession with shoes and purses and how her mom inspires her.

How does it feel to win Miss Black EIU last spring?

It was great. It was an unexpected win. I entered the contest for the experience and for fun. It was a blessing to win.

You also won Homecoming Queen. How does that feel?

It was definitely a shock. It’s not typically something that minorities, African Americans and athletes win. I feel like I was representing other African Americans and enjoyed the experience.

What is it like competing against Samantha Manto?

It is good to have her push me and me her because there are not many female hurdlers.

It makes up for it. Our competition heats up in outdoor season when she is working on 400-meter hurdles. She is good at that while it is not my favorite event.

What are your favorite movies of all-time?

My favorite movie is “Love and Basketball.” I just like the storyline. I like Tyler Perry movies. They are sick, but really funny.

What is your favorite track memory?

It was when we won the Ohio Valley Conference indoor and outdoor championship in 2007.

It was a good start for me, and a good way for the seniors to go out.

Why didn’t you go to Illinois State?

My mom graduated from Illinois State. I wanted to get away from home and do my own thing. Illinois State was too big.

I wanted space but not live too far. I loved the first visit here. It’s like my home away from home.

Who has been an inspiration for you in your life?

My mom, Leontyne Golden, keeps me going. She’s hardworking and dedicated to her family and willing to go the extra mile for us.

She takes her of my 82-year-old grandma who has dementia, my 18-month nephew and works full-time.

Have you learned any lessons from track?

You could do the unthinkable and overcome obstacles. I had a few minor injuries in the past, but when I was on the sidelines it taught me to enjoy my team in spirit, work harder and block out bad things to start fresh.

Track is a mental sport. If you think you can’t do it, it won’t happen. It’s positive thinking.

How do you train for the 60-,100- and 400-hurdles?

Training for the 60 and 100 are the same. However, the 400 is more of a challenge because of the longer intervals of the hurdles and longer run required to finish.

Mentally, the 400 is not my favorite race. I have to think myself in order to do it.

The 60 and 100 are fun because they are quick.

Do you have a hobby? If so, what are they?

I love to go shopping. For me, it’s shoe shopping and collecting Coach purses. I like to say I have a shoe fetish. I think I have 70 pairs. It’s too many. They are on the floor, in the closet and under the bed. I have 15 Coach purses.

So you have a nickname?

If so what is it?

They call me by my middle name Ray. The one they love to call me is dropping letters from my first and last name. It is “C. Ray Go.”

What are your goals for this season?

My goals are to break all the hurdle records, including my own 100 record. I want to help my team win the OVC indoor and outdoor titles. It’s a matter of believing we could get it done.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.

Junior hurdler Chandra Golden displays the different types of the more than 80 shoes she has with her at school. As well as being a student-athlete, Golden is a senior and the reigning Miss Black EIU and the Homecoming Queen.(Eric Hiltner

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