Spectator and Spectrum are here throughout the next two weeks to bring you updates and interviews from Columbia Olympians in our #LondonLions series. Today, we profile one of our #LondonLions, Erison Hurtault. Follow @CU_Spectator and @CUSpecSportsto make sure you’re up to date.

Erison Hurtault, CC ’07, is representing the Commonwealth of Dominica, running in the Men’s 400m this Saturday, Aug 4. He was also the country’s flag-bearer in the Opening Ceremony. This is his second Olympics, having also run the same event in Beijing in 2008.

Oh, and also, he’s looking for a date when he gets back to NYC. E-mail him maybe! For now, get to know him a little better by checking out his responses to our five questions.

1. So, is it true (that the Olympic Village is a den of sex)?

I have been to a number of villages for major games and have heard a lot of stories. As of now, things are still pretty relaxed here in London, but when more athletes finish competing and start bringing medals back to the village, I’m sure things will get a bit more interesting.

2. Who is one Olympian you admire, and why?

If I had to pick one current Olympian, I would say Kim Collins from St. Kitts. He is a great competitor who has managed to stay near the top ranks of his event, the 100m dash, for over a decade now.

3. You also competed in the 2008 Olympics. Have you noticed any big differences between the Olympic village in Beijing and the one in London?

The village is pretty much the same, but I can say that the surrounding city of London is very different. We are a short trip away from Central London, and that adds a lot to the experience.

4. In terms of how you prepared for your event, have you taken any different approaches to training? One big change that was talked about this year is the fact that runners will be disqualified after just one false start. Is that changing how you approach your events?

Over the past four years, I have learned to be more patient when it comes to training and recovering from injuries. Which is something that I think helped me save my season. Before Beijing, I made the mistake of not letting a nagging injury heal, and I think that held me back.

Regarding the false start rule, that approach is the same. Don’t false start.

5. You were born in New Jersey and have lived in the United States your whole life, but your parents were both born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, which made you eligible to represent that country in the Olympics. How has running for Dominica affected your relationship to that country?

I think it has certainly helped me grow closer to Dominica. Many of my family members from Dominica now live in other countries, and I know there are many people out there like me, who have grown up outside of their parents’ home country. Though I grew up in New Jersey, my family was very close and recognized the uniqueness of Dominican culture. Getting the opportunity to represent Dominica and be a role model to the younger athletes is an opportunity I am grateful for.