Natasha Hastings is a USA Track & Field Sprinter, 2X Olympic Gold Medalist and World Class Athlete from New York. At the age of 22, she made her first appearance with the USA Olympic Track and Field Team and in 2008 won an Olympic Gold Medal in the Women’s 4×400M relay team. She repeated the feat at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
She has been labeled by her fan base as the ”400M Diva” after she jokingly described the ladies’ track team at the University of South Carolina, where she attended, as the “Gamecock Divas” in honor of the school’s mascot. She studied exercise science and won both indoor and outdoor championships her junior year where she set the collegiate records at the time. “400M Diva” continues to stick throughout Natasha’s individual indoor and outdoor accomplishments.
Even after winning Olympic, World, and US National Championships, Natasha maintained her focus mid-career, balancing rest with exertion. In 2015 she placed #2 during the U.S. National Championship, and soon thereafter won a silver medal with the 4x400M Relay in Beijing during the World Championship. The following year, she won her second gold Olympic medal at the Rio Games.
Location: Austin, TX
Favorite Exercise: Power cleans
Favorite Healthy Snack: Rice cakes with peanut butter
Favorite Way to Center: Meditation
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Personal Motto: Happiness is a choice.
Day in the Life preparing for the Rio Summer Olympic Games:
- 7 AM – Wake Up & Meditate
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast
- 9:15 – 10:30 AM – Weight Room
- 11 AM – 1 PM – Track Practice
- 1:30 PM – Lunch
- 2 – 3 PM – Treatment/Rehab
What gets you out of bed every morning?
The new opportunity to attain the goals set ahead.
What is the most important part of your daily routine? My morning meditation is most important. I set my goals and intentions for the day. I declare the day to be a great one in which I will be happy and go after each task at hand.
What about your “O” do you think is unique or special? It’s self focused. I focus on being the best me and not comparing myself to others and their journey.
Whose “O” would you most love to see? I would love to see
Serena Williams’ “O”. She’s been an inspiration since I was young, and I admire her trailblazing skills and attitude.
What is your #1 wellness habit?
Drinking lots of water. It’s the basis for a healthy life inside and out. Without hydration almost everything else goes out the window.
What is the best piece of health advice you’ve ever received?
Moderation is key. We fall off track when we try to be overly strict about the things we eat.
What is your favorite part about living a healthy lifestyle?
Feeling and looking good. It gives me the confidence to step out into the world with no inhibitions.
What’s your biggest wellness challenge? How do you address it?
My weight has been an issue throughout my career. Being bigger and not the prototype for my event I’ve been told I’m too heavy. I do my best to excel as I am.
If you could give one piece of health advice, what would it be?
Find an activity you love and work hard at it. It’s important that you love what you do.
Natasha Hastings is a USA Track & Field Sprinter, Olympic Gold Medalist, World Champion and USA National Champion. For more inspiration from Natasha, follow her on Instagram and Twitter, and check out her website Natasha Hastings.