Growing up with Italian and African-American roots, Andrew has seamlessly blended these diverse cultural influences into a unique identity that has significantly shaped his career and personal life. This rich tapestry of experiences has taught him the importance of embracing diversity, fostering a sense of community, and harnessing the strength that comes from adaptability.
From the beginning, Andrew’s multicultural background has been a cornerstone of his identity. The blend of Italian precision and American dynamism has given him a unique perspective, enabling him to connect with a wide array of people and cultures. This dual heritage has not only enriched his personal life but has also played a crucial role in his approach to athletics. Representing both sides of his heritage in competitions, Andrew carries a deep sense of pride and responsibility.
1883 sits down with Andrew Howe to discuss his athletic journey, his love of music and travel, and more.
Growing up with both Italian and African-American heritage, how has your multicultural background influenced your identity as an athlete and individual?
My multicultural background has been a significant part of who I am, both as an athlete and as a person. Growing up with both Italian and African-American roots gave me a unique perspective on identity. It taught me the importance of embracing diversity, which has helped me connect with people from all walks of life. I feel that being part of different cultures has given me resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. It’s also made me proud to represent both sides of my heritage when I compete.
You’ve faced several injuries throughout your career. How have these setbacks shaped your approach to training and competition? What mental strategies do you use to overcome such challenges?
Injuries have been some of my biggest teachers. They’ve forced me to understand my body better and listen to it in ways I didn’t before. Each setback gave me a chance to reassess my goals and adjust my approach. Mentally, I focus on patience and perseverance. When I was injured, I leaned into visualization techniques—imagining myself healed and performing at my best again. It’s a mental battle as much as a physical one, so I make sure to stay positive and maintain my motivation, knowing that the hard times are temporary.
You’ve excelled in both long jump and sprinting. How do you mentally and physically prepare for the transition between these two demanding disciplines? Do you find that excelling in one enhances your performance in the other?
Both disciplines require different approaches, but they complement each other in many ways. Sprinting helps build explosive power, which is crucial in the long jump, while the long jump demands technical precision that helps my sprinting technique. Physically, I incorporate specialized training for both events and mentally, I try to stay in the moment, focusing on the event at hand. Switching between them requires a strong mental shift, but I believe excelling in one has made me stronger in the other because both require speed, strength, and mental toughness.
Who have been your biggest influences or role models in your athletic career? How have they shaped your approach to sports and life?
My mother has been a huge influence on my career. She was an athlete herself and coached me for a long time. She taught me the importance of discipline and passion. Athletes like Carl Lewis also inspired me growing up. His versatility in both sprints and long jump showed me what’s possible when you’re dedicated to multiple events. My role models have always emphasized resilience and focus, which I’ve applied to both sports and life.
Track and field can be as much a mental challenge as a physical one. How do you maintain focus and mental resilience in high-pressure situations, like major championships?
In high-pressure situations, I focus on controlling what I can—my mindset, my preparation, and my attitude. I try to block out distractions and stay present in the moment. Breathing exercises and visualization help me stay calm and focused. I remind myself that I’ve trained for this moment, so I trust my body to perform. Mental resilience comes from experience—each competition builds your ability to handle pressure better the next time.
Can you share a time when you faced significant failure in your career? How did that experience contribute to your growth as an athlete and as a person?
One of the hardest moments in my career was missing out on the Olympics due to injury. It felt like everything I’d worked for was slipping away. But that failure forced me to reevaluate my mindset and what success really means to me. I realized that it’s not just about winning but about persistence and giving your best effort, no matter the outcome. That experience made me more determined and resilient, and it helped me grow both as an athlete and as a person.
How do you see the role of sports in bringing together different cultures and communities? Do you believe sports can be a tool for social change?
Absolutely. Sports have a unique ability to transcend borders, cultures, and languages. They bring people together in ways few other things can. I’ve experienced this firsthand, both in my own multicultural identity and through competing internationally. Sports can be a powerful tool for social change because they promote inclusivity, unity, and the idea that we can achieve greatness by working together. I believe sports can break down barriers and create a space for dialogue and mutual respect.
As an athlete who has achieved so much, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered in the world of athletics and beyond?
I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything to the sport and who faced challenges with resilience and determination. I hope my story inspires young athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter the setbacks they might face. Beyond athletics, I want to be remembered for being a positive role model, someone who used their platform to promote diversity and unity, and someone who always showed up with passion, both on and off the field.
What advice would you give to young athletes who aspire to reach the levels of success you’ve achieved? What qualities do you believe are essential for long-term success in sports?*
My biggest advice is to stay patient and trust the process. Success doesn’t come overnight, and you have to be willing to work through the challenges and setbacks. Dedication, resilience, and a love for what you do are essential. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and push you to be better. And never stop learning—whether it’s about your sport or about yourself.
You are also a lover of fashion. What are some brands that you love? How would you describe your style?
I’ve always been into fashion because it’s another way to express who you are. I like brands that combine style and comfort, like Nike for sportswear and Gucci for more casual, high-fashion looks. I’d describe my style as athletic-casual with a touch of streetwear. It’s all about finding the right balance between looking good and feeling comfortable.
Outside of sport, what are some other things you love to do?
Outside of sports, I love music and travel. Music has always been a way for me to relax and recharge, and I’m always exploring new artists and genres. Travelling lets me experience new cultures and perspectives, which I find really inspiring.
Lastly, if you could manifest something for yourself this year, what would it be?
This year, I would love to manifest continued health and strength. I want to stay injury-free and perform at my best. Outside of athletics, I’d like to continue growing personally, maybe taking on new challenges that push me beyond what I thought was possible.
Interview Kelsey Barnes
Photographer Nicola Derosa
Styling Garigliano
Grooming Maddalena Brando
