Seven Questions with Emmanuel Bor
10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM
Oct. 7, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama men's cross country team have started a new weekly segment called Seven Questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The sixth edition features junior Emmanuel Bor.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start running?
Emmanuel Bor: I started to run in January 2006. Basically, I was inspired by my Uncles Barnabas Korir and Amos Korir. I got the support from everyone in the family.
Rolltide.com: What are your personal goals and what are the team goals for the season? Running career goals for college and further?
Bor: Our team goal for this season is to win the SEC, Regional and NCAA cross country championships. Our main goal is to stay focused, and train hard. My personal goal is to assist the others in speed training, to run faster and to eventually be a professional athlete. I would love it if I get selected to run Golden League, Grand Prix and the Olympics. I would also love to meet my brothers Julius and Hillary Bor in one race, especially in a mile!
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to come to The University of Alabama?
Bor: I really liked the coaching staff. UA also has good course programs that fit my interest.
Rolltide.com: What was the biggest transition moving to the United States from Kenya?
Bor: I had a hectic transition. The culture was different, the temperatures were extreme. It was very hot!
Rolltide.com: You were a two-time SEC Champion by your first semester sophomore year. What was it like to be so successful so early in your career and what do you attribute it to?
Bor: Being a SEC champion is nice. It prepares you for the future and its keeps you wanting more! In the end, it makes you want to run faster.
Rolltide.com: You are the only Alabama athlete to be SEC Athlete of the Year other than late David Kimani, how does it feel to be in the same category as such an athlete?
Bor: Being the only other Alabama athlete to be SEC Athlete of the Year is wonderful. It's nice to have the same honors as the late David Kimani. He was a great athlete. I used to hear about Kimani and I knew he would run faster. He ran good times during his time and I respect him a lot. He inspired me a lot as well. It's with this nice program that lead him to be successful. I believe too in the same program and the sky is the limit.
Rolltide.com: Who is your favorite runner to look up to? Why?
Bor: Daniel Komen. I really liked him a lot. He broke so many races during is running and I just was inspired by him. He stills the only human to have run under 8 minutes in 2 miles. He was crazy. He also holds two more records; 3000m outdoor 7.20.67 and the indoor 3000m 7.24.87.
