Meet Olympian Kellie Wells: From hurdles to high fashion

Meet Olympian Kellie Wells

U.S. Track and Field star Kellie Wells is getting a second chance at gold. Meet this year’s Olympic hurdler and find out what she’s into on and off the track.

Overcoming Obstacles

In the 2008 Olympic trials, track and field star Kellie Wells suffered a devastating blow when she tore her hamstring and was unable to compete. But now, the 30-year-old is back and bounding to new heights after scoring the second spot in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

But Kellie isn’t only about athletics; find out what the fashionista told us about food, fun and fitness:

SheKnows: What does participating in this year's Olympics mean to you?

Kellie: It’s a great honor to be an Olympian because we have such rich culture and a melting pot of people. I am happy to representative them.

SheKnows: How often do you practice/work out a week?

Kellie: Five to six days a week.

SheKnows: What's your diet like?

Kellie: I try to keep it basic: pastas, chicken, shrimp, fish, veggies, a lot of fruit and salads. I love cashews, too!

SheKnows: If you weren't an athlete, what would you be doing?

Kellie: I would be doing something in sports marketing or event planning for a sports team.

SheKnows: What's your favorite movie?

Kellie: Grease.

SheKnows: What's your favorite guilty pleasure food?

Kellie: I don't have just one! Pizza, ribs, gummy candy -- top three.

SheKnows: What's your favorite clothing brand?

Kellie: Coach and Dolce & Gabanna.

SheKnows: Who is your celebrity crush?

Kellie: Idris Elba.

SheKnows:  Who are your female role models?

Kellie: I have two: my mother and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. My mother was so strong! She worked two jobs and went to school to get her bachelor’s degree in teaching so she could try to provide a better life for us. She instilled so many amazing values in me and showed me what hard work and dedication meant.

I absolutely LOVE Jackie because she was such a fierce competitor while being so humble. She could do it all and do it all so well. When I was a child I would watch her and Gail (Devers) compete, and they seemed larger than life. I always believed I would be there one day.

SheKnows: If you win, how will you celebrate?

Kellie: I’ve been working on some of my patented dance moves!

Watch Kellie compete in the women's 100-meter hurdles today!

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Photo credit: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics