Helmsman sports reporter Alisa Gardner sits down this week with Memphis senior sprinter Franck Diadhiou, who placed first last weekend in both the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash at the Tulane Invitational.
Born in Africa, Diadhiou says receiving a scholarship to run track for The University is “the best thing in the world.”
AG: Where are you originally from?
FD: I am from Ziquinchor, Senegal.
AG: What brought you to the United States and why did you choose Memphis?
FD: Coach Hayes was very nice and my parents thought this would be a good place to study and finish school.
AG: How do you feel about the struggles going on in the Middle East and the rest of the world?
FD: I feel sorry about all of the problems that are going on in the world. It doesn’t really affect me, but I have friends that are both foreign and American. I think it’s a very political problem and it is sad to see politicians messing up the world. It is OK to develop the world, but not at the cost of Americans and Afghanistan.
AG: Do you speak any other languages?
FD: Yes, I speak French. I learned it in high school. I also speak our native language, Warlof. I learned Spanish in Senegal and took some Spanish classes in undergrad.
AG: Have you enjoyed running track for The University of Memphis?
FD: It has definitely been great. Getting a scholarship for an education is the best thing in the world. I have learned a lot. Coach Hayes is very cultivated. Listening to him at track meets is like taking another class on the weekends.
AG: What events do you run?
FD: I run the 100 meters, 200, 4x100 relay and the 4x400m relay.
AG: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
FD: I would have to say my high school coach, Samba Badji, in Senegal, and Carl Lewis because I thought he was very natural.
AG: What is your major and what are some of your career goals?
FD: I have a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a minor in economics. Of course I want to be financially stable, and help in developing the world somehow.
AG: Have you ever thought about running in the Olympics for your country?
FD: I have to be fastest in my country first, but I think I am currently ranked eighth.
AG: Do you plan to return to your country after you finish school?
FD: Yes, hopefully, depending on the job offers.
