Kickin' It With...John Kimmich

Heavyweight John Kimmich of Aurora, Colorado, won the World Class division at the 2005 Senior Nationals in October and was named Male Athlete of the Tournament. John also won the Collegiate Nationals in 2005 and will be competing in the National Team Round Robin Fight-Off on January 7 in Colorado Springs. His sister, Darcy, was the 2004 National Champion in the lightweight division and his parents, Paul and Linda, are active referees at USA Taekwondo events.

John answered the following 10 questions for this month's USA Taekwondo Athlete Profile...

Q1: What are your feelings heading into the U.S. Team Trials in January? Are you training any differently?

JOHN KIMMICH: I am very excited about the Team Trials in January and feel as though it is a great opportunity. My training has not.

Q2: What is your favorite sports movie and why?

JOHN KIMMICH: Rocky IV is my favorite sports movie because the underdog Rocky, who was never picked as a favorite, shows that favorites mean nothing and anyone is capable of anything.

Q3: What motivates you during a long practice session?

JOHN KIMMICH: The desire to reach my full potential by training as hard and intense as I can every day is what motivates me to push through a long practice session. Another huge motivation for me is my coaches and support group that are there for me day in and day out.

Q4: What is it like coming from a family so involved in Taekwondo? How often do you spar with your sister, Darcy?

JOHN KIMMICH: Taekwondo has always been a huge part of our family for 15 years. It is great that I not only have an amazing and successful sister that loves the sport, but also two wonderful parents that have supported me in every way for years and have become two top level referees. Darcy and I spar every practice for some period of time and have for years. There have been times when I was a junior that she was my only sparring partner besides my two coaches.

Q5: What, if anything, have you learned about yourself in the past year?

JOHN KIMMICH: I have learned that no matter what setback an athlete is forced to deal with, through perseverance and dedication anything is possible for anyone. I also learned that heavyweight is the best division for me and that I am very happy my days of cutting weight are over.

Q6: Who is a superhero you'd like to be, and why?

JOHN KIMMICH: I would like to be Superman because he turns on a switch when he goes into superhero mode and maintains a low profile.

Q7: Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or rituals that you adhere to?

JOHN KIMMICH: I have a picture with my mom that I always have with me and a lucky tank top that I warm up in.

Q8: Who is a teammate that has had an influence on you, and why?

JOHN KIMMICH: The most influential person for me has been my sister Darcy because we have been through all of the ups and downs together and she has supported me far beyond the ring.

Q9: What's your favorite post-competition meal?

JOHN KIMMICH: The Ultimate Feast from Red Lobster.

Q10: Do you have a pre-competition meal?

JOHN KIMMICH: A bagel with grape jelly and oatmeal.

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