University Southern California Trojans
Players Mentioned
Hurdles/Sprints
/ Track & Field
Sprints
/ Track & Field
Getting To Know Zion Gordon
November 22, 2019 | Track & Field, Features
Zion Gordon is a freshman sprinter and hurdler for the Trojans. He's from Denver, Co. where he attended Regis Jesuit High School. Gordon was a Colorado State Champion in the 110m hurdles and 100m dash. Zion was named first team Academic All-State while at Regis Jesuit High School.
Â
Q:Â Why did you choose to run track at USC?
ZG: On my visit last year in March I loved the coaches and atmosphere here. I met coach Caryl (Smith Gilbert) and coach (Quincy) Watts during my visit, and I could tell that they were always going to be committed to me and push me so that I can be a successful track athlete.
 Q: What's it like to represent USC given the history and success of so many athletes that have competed here?
ZG: I love that I got to come here. I used to watch Michael Norman and Rai Benjamin, so getting to wear the same uniform as people I look up to is really cool.
Q:Â Which race is your favorite?
ZG: The 110 meter hurdles is my favorite.
Q:Â What's your favorite part about being an athlete at USC?
ZG: Being around like-minded individuals who are always working hard and committed to being the best student athletes they can be is really reassuring.
Â
Q:Â What's been the biggest adjustment transitioning from high school to college track and field?
KG: Aside from the obvious answer of having more homework, which I've adjusted to surprisingly well, the biggest difference has come in my practice schedule.
Â
Q – What are your goals for your first year on the team?
ZG: The first goal I want to accomplish is just to hit some PR's but second, I'd also like to make the NCAA meet in both indoor and outdoor. I know it will be a challenge, but I think my coaches can help me get there.
Â
Q: How has the transition been coming from Denver to Los Angeles?
ZG: The adjustment has been pretty easy because of the weather, and this city is much more active than Denver. I really enjoy living here so far.
Q:Â Have you had the chance to explore the city yet?
ZG: I've been to a lot of concerts which has given me the chance to really explore the city.
Â
Q:Â Best concert you've ever been to?
ZG: I really enjoyed the Dominic Fike concert that I went to a couple of weeks ago, but I also attended Camp Flog Gnaw which had a lot of my favorite artists, including Tyler, the Creator.
Â
Q:Â What is your favorite music genre?
ZG: Probably a tie between soul music, alternative music and rap music.
Â
Q:Â Favorite type of music to listen to before competing?
ZG: Before a race I listen to more laid-back music like an artist by the name of Blood Orange who makes jazz music. Then, during or prior to other races I prefer to listen to some form of Trap music.
Q:Â Do you have any pre-race rituals?
ZG: My coaches have always told me to visualize my races so that's what I try to focus on before competing.
Â
Q: You listed photography and fashion as some of your hobbies. How did you get into that?
ZG: Through Instagram I have been introduced to a lot of different artists which has led me to find some photographers that I find really inspiring. I enjoy listening to all types of music and social media has encouraged me to take more photos and be more aware of fashion.
Q: Why does Russell Wilson stand out to you as a role model?
ZG: I'm a huge Seahawks fan and think that he's a great role model. With his Christian background and how successful he's been as an athlete, I find him to be a really positive role model.
Â
Q: What do you hope to accomplish outside of sports?
ZG: My friend back home and I have been trying to start our own business relating to music, fashion and photography. We're not sure exactly what it will look like, but that's what we've been working on. So, in the future I want to start a (fashion, film, music and photography) business up and have a job doing what I enjoy most.
Â
Â
Q:Â Why did you choose to run track at USC?
ZG: On my visit last year in March I loved the coaches and atmosphere here. I met coach Caryl (Smith Gilbert) and coach (Quincy) Watts during my visit, and I could tell that they were always going to be committed to me and push me so that I can be a successful track athlete.
 Q: What's it like to represent USC given the history and success of so many athletes that have competed here?
ZG: I love that I got to come here. I used to watch Michael Norman and Rai Benjamin, so getting to wear the same uniform as people I look up to is really cool.
Q:Â Which race is your favorite?
ZG: The 110 meter hurdles is my favorite.
Q:Â What's your favorite part about being an athlete at USC?
ZG: Being around like-minded individuals who are always working hard and committed to being the best student athletes they can be is really reassuring.
Â
Q:Â What's been the biggest adjustment transitioning from high school to college track and field?
KG: Aside from the obvious answer of having more homework, which I've adjusted to surprisingly well, the biggest difference has come in my practice schedule.
Â
Q – What are your goals for your first year on the team?
ZG: The first goal I want to accomplish is just to hit some PR's but second, I'd also like to make the NCAA meet in both indoor and outdoor. I know it will be a challenge, but I think my coaches can help me get there.
Â
Q: How has the transition been coming from Denver to Los Angeles?
ZG: The adjustment has been pretty easy because of the weather, and this city is much more active than Denver. I really enjoy living here so far.
Q:Â Have you had the chance to explore the city yet?
ZG: I've been to a lot of concerts which has given me the chance to really explore the city.
Â
Q:Â Best concert you've ever been to?
ZG: I really enjoyed the Dominic Fike concert that I went to a couple of weeks ago, but I also attended Camp Flog Gnaw which had a lot of my favorite artists, including Tyler, the Creator.
Â
Q:Â What is your favorite music genre?
ZG: Probably a tie between soul music, alternative music and rap music.
Â
Q:Â Favorite type of music to listen to before competing?
ZG: Before a race I listen to more laid-back music like an artist by the name of Blood Orange who makes jazz music. Then, during or prior to other races I prefer to listen to some form of Trap music.
Q:Â Do you have any pre-race rituals?
ZG: My coaches have always told me to visualize my races so that's what I try to focus on before competing.
Â
Q: You listed photography and fashion as some of your hobbies. How did you get into that?
ZG: Through Instagram I have been introduced to a lot of different artists which has led me to find some photographers that I find really inspiring. I enjoy listening to all types of music and social media has encouraged me to take more photos and be more aware of fashion.
Q: Why does Russell Wilson stand out to you as a role model?
ZG: I'm a huge Seahawks fan and think that he's a great role model. With his Christian background and how successful he's been as an athlete, I find him to be a really positive role model.
Â
Q: What do you hope to accomplish outside of sports?
ZG: My friend back home and I have been trying to start our own business relating to music, fashion and photography. We're not sure exactly what it will look like, but that's what we've been working on. So, in the future I want to start a (fashion, film, music and photography) business up and have a job doing what I enjoy most.
Â
USC Track & Field - 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships: Day 4 Highlights (6/14/25)
Saturday, June 14
USC Track & Field - 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships: Day 3 Highlights (6/13/25)
Friday, June 13
USC Track & Field - 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships: Day 2 Highlights (6/12/25)
Thursday, June 12
USC Track & Field - 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships: Day 1 Highlights (6/11/25)
Wednesday, June 11
