Today we are speaking with Khatuna Lorig, a member of the 2008 Olympic Team; She is a member of the United States Archery Team.

Khatuna, we appreciate you taking time out of your busy training schedule to speak with all the Beyond Sports members. For the members out there that are not familiar with your career and success, tell us a little about your background.

I started in this sport at the age of 12, in my native Georgia (Russia) and by the time I was 15 I made the USSR National team. My first Olympics was in 1992 and I competed for the USSR until it was dissolved. I then competed for Georgia, but now I compete for the United States. I have competed internationally, all over the world, since 1990, including European Championships, US Championships, as well as World Championships, and of course the Olympics.
About myself: I am a very athletic and motivated person. Anything I do; I do with "passion". I have been training in Archery for 21 years and I never think about giving up my dream. I always dream about winning the Olympics. Why the Olympics? A long time ago I was told "if I win the Olympics, I will forever be a champion", and I believe it to be true. I believe in myself. This is the most important aspect of me achieving my goal.

What made you choose archery as your competitive sport?

Because it is an individual sport, there are no judges, where winning may be based on an opinion, and there is no team to depend on. It is all about "you".

Khatuna, you have participated on multiple Olympic Teams for multiple countries, why have you gone through so many changes in country affiliation?

Well, times change. The Soviet Union no longer exists. Then I competed for the Republic of Georgia. Now, I live in the United States and compete for the United States. I am very proud to represent the US as an American.

We have heard from your agent Chris Pittman, you train up to eight hours a day for archery. Archery is a sport that requires an extreme amount of focus and discipline. How do you keep focused for such a long period of time?

I am a professional and am very serious about what I do. I not only have fun, but try to achieve my goals at the same time. I believe in myself and believe in training hard. In the end, it all pays off.

Khatuna, what are some of your challenges that you face as an Olympic athlete?

The travel and constant time changes, even when it seems simple. There are also challenges of being a wife and a mother that come with not always being there.

When you walk in for the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, can you describe some of the emotions that you feel?

Walking in the opening ceremonies is always very special and an emotional moment. It truly is one of my favorites. You feel very strong and responsible for yourself and all that you represent. There are so many butterflies in your stomach, not from being nervous, but from the sheer excitement. It is truly a magical and magnificent feeling.

Khatuna, it is exciting just to hear you speak about it! I know that one of your goals this summer is to win the gold in the Olympics. I want to fast forward you to that moment. When you realize that you have won, what will be some of the first things that you think about and feel?

Every athlete in the Olympics has only one goal, to wing the Gold! When it happens I know I will be so thankful to God and everyone that supported me in reaching that goal.

For all of the Olympic hopefuls or the ones that wish they could be, in your opinion, what does it take to be an Olympic athlete? How can you prepare to compete at such a high level of competition?

Above all you must believe in yourself and without question, work very hard. But most important, never give up on your goal or yourself.

What are your future plans after the Olympics are over? What kind of career path do you want to take?

After this year, spend as much time as possible with my family, and begin preparations for the 2012 Olympics!

How do you think the Beyond Sports Network benefits Olympic athletes and especially athletes that participate in non main stream sports?

It can be a great outlet to be an Ambassador for your sport and your country. It is also very tough wit all that the athletes go through with training and limited budgets. USA Olympics get funding through sponsorships and donations. In many other countries they are fully funded by their government. The athletes of the United States work very hard for the glory of our country, and are passionate about the sport we participate in. Many people do not realize how hard the athlete works and the pride that we take in representing the United States.

Khatuna, thank you once again for taking the time with us. Good Luck this summer at the Olympics. We know you’ll bring home the Gold, and our entire Beyond Sports Network will be rooting for you!