03.01.2019

WE ARE: NATASHA HASTINGS

United We Win is Under Armour's year-round initiative celebrating the culture, heritage and diversity of athletes around the world. In honor of Women's History Month, and rooted in our belief that sports have the power to inspire, change and unite the world, we are proud to share stories from the women of Under Armour. 

For two-time Olympic gold-medalist sprinter Natasha Hastings, there is magic in the moments before the sound of the starting gun. It’s in the sound of the breeze as it wafts between the chatters and cheers in the stands. It’s in the potential that hangs in the starchy air, and the way time slows down as the official calls each runner to their marks.

 

Gazing past the curve in the track, the self-dubbed 400-meter diva pays attention to every inch of herself in this space in time—from the muscles carved by grueling workouts to the signature lipstick that doubles as race-day warpaint. As she settles into the blocks, she feels each toe as it clinks against the familiar metal launchpad. She thinks about each step ahead—both in this race and for the up-and-coming athletes she mentors:

 

“I wanna be the example that no matter how early your dream may have been or how tough things may be, if you keep your head down and stay focused, anything is possible,” she says.

 

Natasha has always been an athlete. But no matter how many races she wins, she’s always viewed herself as much more than just a track star. That’s why, true to her diva persona, Hastings applies her passion for style and beauty to her own cosmetics line, Natasha Hastings Cosmetics.

 

She also created the Natasha Hastings Foundation to support up-and-coming track stars, break down the barriers and taboos around the topic of menstruation and competition, and share important lessons on self-love and perseverance— lessons that, for Hastings, took far too long to realize.

 

“I hope to fill those gaps for young girls and inspire the next generation after me. And not just in my sport. Girls in general.” she says. 

 

“I know that I won’t always be able to run, but I want to leave my footprint, if you will, on the sport and continue to give back even when my time is over in this sport.”

Natasha Hastings

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