Brian Gallagher (Q&A - Feb. 2009)

Brian Gallagher, 23, of Littleton, Colo., is a member of the past three U.S. Senior National Teams (2005-07), a two-time national champion, and three-time collegiate national champion. He is trained by his father, Bob Gallagher, at the Eagle Spirit Academy in Littleton.

Brian answered the following 10 questions for this month's USAT Athlete Profile...

Q1: Do you see yourself staying involved with Taekwondo your entire life, or moving on to something else in the future?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: I will absolutely always be involved with Taekwondo. I love teaching, training and competing. I don't know what the future holds for me with my personal career, but giving back to my students is one thing that will never change. I look forward to bringing more people to this amazing art and sport.

Brian competing at the 2006 National Team Trials

Q2: Who's an Olympian in any sport that you look up to?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: This may come as a surprise, but Dwyane Wade is my favorite athlete and Olympian. He doesn't have the Olympic spotlight like other athletes do and plays alongside Kobe and Lebron which share that role. But he truly motivates me to perform and represent what a true Olympian and athlete should. He plays and outworks his opponents and is humble and a class act off the court. He gives back and morally stands for something. I strive to be that type of athlete and future Olympian!

Another shot from the 2006 National Team Trials

Q3: You received your degree in marketing from the University of Wyoming. What do you hope to do with that marketing knowledge?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: A lot of the knowledge I gained in college has helped me with the marketing aspect of running the taekwondo business with my father. Alongside of that, there is an offer in the near future for me to put my degree to use with a brand new company. I am very excited about that and blessed to be afforded this great opportunity.

Brian receives instruction from his father and coach Bob Gallagher

Q4: Who has been your best training partner?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: There actually isn't just one. There are several people that have truly made my training and career a success. For my personal fighting, Nico Delgado has been a perfect sparring partner to be able to implement strength, speed and strategy with. He has helped add resilience and other qualities to my game. It also helps when someone has the same passion for training and succeeding as I do. Nico provides that. For my mental game, my father and coach Robert Gallagher is for sure the best of the best. He breaks down fights for me, keeps me mentally strong and is my biggest supporter through good and bad times. I am truly blessed to have the relationship I have with him. Lastly, for my footwork which is a huge part of my game, I give all the credit to my entire elite team at ESA. Having to show more control with the smaller players allows me to become more efficient with my footwork and motions which enhances my scoring opportunities. I love them all!

Brian with dad

Q5: How would you rate your performance at last year's Olympic Trials and what are your goals for 2009 and beyond?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: I was very pleased with the way I fought at Olympic Trials. I found out a lot more about my game that has helped me with other competitions. Fighting up in weight was a lot of fun because I felt healthier, stronger and faster. My goals are to perform at the highest level possible at every event I compete in. I want to make National Team again in April and represent USA at Worlds....this time executing better than my previous times. I look forward to my competition schedule this year and plan to work hard to achieve all of my goals.

Brian (r) at the 2008 Olympic Trials

Q6: Do you feel that you are a role model for the kids you coach at Eagle Spirit Academy?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: Yes I do. I feel that I practice everything I preach to them and set an example for them. I love being in the position I am in because it pushes me to continue being a role model and show my players what it takes to succeed inside and outside of training. There isn't one thing I ask of my players that I don't do with them. We are all in the grind together and I believe my players and I have a mutual respect and admiration for one another because of that.

Brian (middle back) with Eagle Spirit Academy teammates

Q7: During all the long hours of traveling to events, what do you do to pass your time?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: Well honestly, most of the time I'm traveling I have to make weight. So the best remedy is to sleep! I sleep a lot on the trips I take. I also try to keep in touch with my Dad (if he is not with me) as much as I can over email. I love writing lyrics as well and long hours of traveling are perfect for doing so. Other than that, I play my PSP and try to take in all the sites and different cultures I'm able to see while on the road!

**Q8: What is your favorite sports movie and why?**

BRIAN GALLAGHER: "Glory Road" is my favorite sports movie because of the barriers that the team and players had to break through. Yet, it wasn't a feel-sorry-for-me type of movie because it wasn't about making excuses for anything. It showed that hard work and unity and a common goal for success will overcome all obstacles. I also like it because it is easier to relate to a movie that is based on true events and is factual in our history.

Brian with dad after making the 2006 National Team

Q9: Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or rituals that you adhere to?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: I am not a superstitious-type guy but I do try to always follow the things that helped made me successful in my past experiences. I pray and hold a strong faith in God and know that he will keep my opponents and myself safe. I stay as relaxed and normal as possible. I'm usually a really sarcastic person all the time so nothing changes before I fight. And I mainly try to stay focused on my game plan and what my goals and responsibilities are in the ring.

Brian declared the winner at the 2005 Team Trials

Q10: Who is a superhero you'd like to be and why?

BRIAN GALLAGHER: Without a doubt I would like to be Batman. His fighting skills are second to none and him being a hero and accomplishing the task at hand doesn't require superpower abilities. He uses his astute intellect, knowledge of technology and physical prowess to fight crime. Batman would definitely be my choice!