USA Team Quotes Fri 8/20/04

Team USA quotes - Friday

Grant Robison (Mountain View, Calif.) who was 11th in heat one of first round of men's 1,500 (3:53.66) advance into semifinal round because he had been obstructed:

(On falling down after the first 100m) "I've never fallen before. There was just too many feet and not enough track - there was no where to go."

"I should have jumped up in the middle of the pack instead of settling for the back. Then I used up too much of my emotional energy settling myself down instead of focusing on the race."

Alan Webb (Fairfax, Va.) who was ninth in heat two of first round of 1,500 (3:41.25)

(On what happened during his race):"I just got banged around. I was trying to stay to the outside and stay out of trouble and it just got me in trouble more."

(On his race tactics): "I should have been more aggressive on the second lap and maybe out towards the lead or in the back. It was just a stupid race."

(On the emotions of his first Olympics): "Before the race I felt a little bit different but during it, it was just another race. My initial feeling is that I should have been up in the front. I wanted to be right where I was, in striking distance but I was just sort of all over the place. I felt comfortable that I could move on but I didn't run a smart race."

(On his slow finish): "I got clipped by someone in the last 200 meters and before I knew it I was dead last"

(Summing up his Olympic experience): "I was having a great time until now. I'm still in high spirits; I guess I did my best. I made a couple of mistakes but it wasn't for lack of effort."

Charlie Gruber (Lawrence, Kan.) who was ninth in heat three of first round of 1,500 (3:41.73)

"I got tripped up and kind of stumbled and by the time I recovered the leaders were gone. I was disappointed with end of outcome but I competed and still gave everything I had. I didn't want to get pinned so I was trying to get out but ended up being in third, fourth position instead of first. I was out there on the rail and was able to run clean for a while

"I was very relaxed going into the race. I waved to my family before the race. I was trying to have fun and enjoy the moment. But I wanted to be professional and run to the best of my available.

WOMEN'S 100

Gail Devers (Duluth, Ga.) who was fourth in heat one in round two of women's100 (11:31): No comment

Lauryn Willaims (Miami, Fla.) winner of heat two in round two of women's 100 (11:03) - (on her start) "Definitely my start was the key to that race - if I have a start like that tomorrow, only God knows the limit."

"I don't remember that much of the start, usually the races I don't remember are my better races.

(Will you be nervous tomorrow?): "I'm still nervous (from that race) I'll be nervous until this whole thing is over."

(On World Championships") "I helped to race in an arena full of people before coming here - the crowd helps you get into it."

(Will you sleep well tonight?): I woke up every hour last night - hopefully I'll get some good rest tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I'm going to do whatever I can to keep my mind off the race. I'll probably spend some time with my family."

LaTasha Colander (Garner, N.C.) who was third in heat four in round two of women's 100 (11:20)

"It was really good, I'm making it into the next round, focusing on that and staying strong."

Michelle Perry (Los Angeles, Calif.) who was seventh after first day of heptathlon with 3,721 points

"I felt great most of the day - it was a great start. I hit a PR in the high jump and everything was going well. I injured my groin just before the 200. It's not something that just happened though; it's something that has been bothering me for a while. Those things happen when you're a heptathlete, there's a lot of minor injuries involved - those things are going to happen."

"This is my first Olympics and my first major competition." (How do you prepare for that?):"Well, my coach kept me grounded pretty well and helped me to keep focused on what I need to do."

(Are you satisfied with your position?): "The heptathlon is about chasing points and not people. I'm a little behind where I want to be in the points, but I'm excited about where I am as an athlete."

(About the 200) "I wish I would have gotten out a little bit faster, but I think if my groin wouldn't have been nagging so much, I could have."

(On family, husband in stands): "I definitely don't have an entire cheering section out there, but it's good to have someone in my corner"

Sheila Burrell (Chula Vista, Calif.) who was 12th after first day of heptathlon with 3,666 points

"The day started out pretty decent, I was in the range the range I had planned to be in. My shot didn't go as well as I would have liked. I'm usually a pretty good 200-meter runner but my training the last couple of months hasn't been what it should be for the last two months. I'm sort of dealing with an injury for the past two months that I'm trying to keep contained."

(Looking forward to tomorrow):"Tomorrow's a second day, I have a pretty good second day. I'm very, very pleased with Michelle Perry. I'm pretty excited that there's a new U.S. Heptathlon star coming up. Tomorrow's another day and I'm not out of it yet."

Tiffany Lott Hogan (Pleasant Grove, Utah) who was 16th after first day of heptathlon with 3,634 points

On 200-meter where she didn't hear the start of her race in heat two but was permitted to run again in the fifth heat:

"I was never prepared for the starter to say 'set". I never had both hands down on the track and the official next to me saw that and raised his hand once the starter said set but the starter never saw him So they started the race without me, so I was down on my knees raising my hands asking what is going on. So I walked away ready to cry. But the officials ended up getting me in the last heat. I was never really mentally prepared to run again but at least I got points. I ran a good 150 but the last 50 didn't feel so hot.

"I'm just glad it's over. I had a good shot put, decent hurdles but I was not happy with my high jump. I have to roll with the punches. That is what the heptathlon is all about."

Otis Harris (Columbia, S.C.) who was second in heat two of first round of 400 (45.11)

"My plan was just to come in and cruise around the turn, get top two and make sure that I was ready for the next round and the finals"

"I feel real comfortable, when I first got out there, I was like man, I saw the flame and it just made me feel that much better to go out and represent me and my family and my country."

(On what time he will need to make the finals): "I don't know what time it will take but whatever it is I'm going to run it. That's a guarantee."

Derrick Brew (Raleigh, N.C.) winner of heat four of first round of 400 (45.41)

"I was happy about it. I wasn't concerned about time, just qualifying for the next round. You know I've got to conserve some energy with the young guys out there running fast. I'm getting old you know."

(On finally getting to run): "It felt good, I've been in the village now for about eight or nine days I'm tired of being locked up in the room like I'm in jail or something. It's too hot to go outside. So this was a little excitement for the day."

Jeremy Wariner (Grand Prairie, Texas) winner of heat six of first round of 400 (45:56)

"The first round is the hardest round. I went out a little slow, but was able to pick it up. I had a lot left. I could have gone under 45 if I wanted to but I need to save my legs because I got two more rounds to go. I felt better at the Trials. This is my first race of weekend and each race will feel better. I have been feeling great in workouts, getting stronger and faster. A 400 is a 400 no matter where you're at. The only difference is there are a lot more people here and it is across the world.

(On pre-race pep talk from Michael Johnson): "He came into the Athletes Village with Coach Hart (Baylor coach Clyde) and told me to do what I have been doing all year and everything will come to me."

(On being compared to Michael Johnson): "I don't think you can put Michael and I together, we're two totally different runners and he's not here.

(Where did you pull up): "My first 200 felt really good and I just eased in the last 50 meters. I have a couple things I need to work on Saturday

(Were you nervous): "I was nervous a little. I've been ready to go it seems like all day. During warm up, I just wanted to get out and run, my coach had to keep on sitting me down."

(How has you life changed since the trials): "Nothing has really changed, it felt like just another day on the track."

(Do you expect to win): Nobody expects to come out here and win, but I feel like I can win."

(On being voted the favorite by Monster.com) "I feel pretty good knowing that most people think I have a chance to win"

WOMEN'S 800

Jearl Miles Clark (Knoxville, Tenn.) who was second in heat three in first round of women's 800 (2:01.33):

"I felt OK. My body's a little tight. The first one [race] is always the hardest, trying to warm up with the call room. I don't think I warmed up properly. But I felt good. I just wanted to make sure I was in the top 3."

Nicole Teter (Palo Alto, Calif.), third in heat five in first round of women's 800 (2:01.16)

"With 200 to go, a couple girls passed me but I felt confident that I could wait and kick with 90 meters left which was my coaches plan. That is way it panned out for me and I was lucky. I just ran for third. Our plan was to be in contact and be ready to kick with 90 meters to go. Our goal each round is just to qualify. It can be dangerous but I want to stay in contact.

Our goal each round is to qualify. The crowd was incredible. The ambience was fantastic. It has been hitting me since opening Ceremonies and when I moved into the Athletes Village two days ago.

Hazel Clark ((Knoxville, Tenn.), fifth in heat six in first round of women's 800 (2:05.67):

"Physically, it wasn't my best. I had a little accident in training camp. I didn't feel it during the race but it definitely drained me leading up to the race, taking care of the burns. I wasn't really myself mentally. This whole meet has been pretty tough. The doctors were awesome and said I could run. I tried but I wasn't myself. But I don't want to make any excuses. I'm disappointed in myself because I let down my family and my country.

WOMEN'S DISCUS

Aretha Hill (Opelika, Ala.) who threw 58.82m/193-0 in group A qualifying of women's discus: "It's one of those good days, bad days. It just wasn't the day I wanted to have. My body felt fine, felt good. The discus just didn't go anywhere. I tried to stay calm out there. Physically, I wasn't hitting it right at the finish. It's disappointing. It's a matter of regrouping and figuring out how to get it right the next time."

Seilala Sua (Anaheim, Calif.) who had three fouls in group B qualifying of women's discus: "I figured I'd try to do what I could. I just wasn't ready for today. It's been a while since the last Olympics, and I didn't prepare like I did then. I went out there and thought I'd try to throw as hard as I could. That's what I did."

Stephanie Brown (Oceano. Calif.), who threw 58.54m/192-1 in group A qualifying of women's discus:

"I had a really great time. I wasn't nervous. Some days it happens, some days it doesn't. I just feel great to be here. I was a [USATF development] project for 2008, but I made it to the Olympics in 2004. ... My first foul, it was really close, and my third throw [foul] was the same thing. My first throw was probably a 60-meter throw, but a foul's a foul, by an inch or a mile."

MEN'S HIGH JUMP

James Nieto (Chula Vista, Calif.) who tied for first in the group A qualification round of the men's high jump (2.28m/7-5 3/4):

"I'm very happy. I just went out there and tried to do my thing. I had to deal with anxiety more than anything. I just wanted to go out there, get my jumps and make the final. Things have been going really well this year. To win the Olympic Trials in Sacramento, in front of my hometown fans, then come out here and make the final is special."

Matt Hemmingway (Littleton, Colo.) who tied for fifth in group B qualifying of men's high jump (2.28m/7-5 3/4):

(On making his third attempt) "Yeah, it was pretty dramatic, kind of like the trials. After the first two tries, I made the right adjustments. (What happened on the first two?): "On the first one, I hit my head and on the second, I missed with my heel."

(Any doubts) "At this game, if you have any doubts show up, you just got to kick them to the door."

(Would you be disappointed if you didn't make it?):"I just take it one bar at a time, but yes, I'd be disappointed if I didn't make it."

(How do you focus) "You've got to stay relaxed. The biggest problem in an event like this is removing your head from your shoulders.

(On his family) "This will mark four years tomorrow that my dad died. I was able to be at the funeral because I didn't qualify, but today, I'm sure he was in the stands."

(On a medal) "Anything is possible. If you didn't come to the Olympic Games to win a medal, then you shouldn't have come at all."

Tora Harris (College Park, Ga.) who was 16th in group A qualifying round of men's high jump (2.15m/7-0 1/4):

"I felt pretty good but I got a little bit too tired. I think the surroundings had a lot to do with it. I think my preparation was more geared toward a quicker competition. This one was very long and I didn't expect it to be so long. I had good warm up jumps but I couldn't hold it.

Abdi Abdiraham (Tucson, Ariz.) who was 15th in men's 10,000 meter final (28:26.26):

"I gave it all I got and I have no regret. I got blisters and got overheated. I knew the pace would go out fast. Then I got blisters three laps into the race."

Dan Browne (Beaverton, Ore.) who was 12th in men's 10,000 meter final (28:14.53):

"Once the race broke open, I started working pretty good with Abdi (U.S. teammate Abdiraham) and hung in there. My calves started getting pretty tight toward the end toward the fourth or fifth mile I might not have pushed it as hard because I felt it tightening up. I did not want to get lapped so I really burst with 1k to go to avoid.

This is better than last year at the World Championships. I kept a fairly good even pace.

I think my strength is actually my best asset, so I am looking forward to the marathon. This is the peak of the season so these next nine days, I am going to continue to jog a little bit and give it one good final effort in the marathon. That stadium is too beautiful not to make it."

Dathan Rizenhein (Boulder, Colo.) who did not finish in men's 10,000 meter final:

"I started feeling my stress fracture at 5k. I let it go for a little bit to see how much worse it would get. And after about a mile it was getting worse. I hurt it pretty bad at the Trials and it turned into a full fracture. I thought it healed fast over the last four weeks. But I hardly trained at all. I ran a total of 10 days these past two months. There was only so much I could do out there. I have a long future ahead of me. If it were any other year I wouldn't be running. But I thought it was important to come for the experience. In another four years I expect to be running with those front guys and expect to be contending. I think I have a lot of improvement to come."

Shayne Culpepper (Lafayette, Colo.), who was 13th in heat 1 of qualifying round of women's 5,000 (15:40.02):

"The heat really got to me. I did my best to stay cool warming up. I was okay for about 3k. I don't want to make mistakes. But if I could change one thing about tonight it would be the heat for me personally, but all in all I am thrilled about this season. It has been a great year. I wish I could have ended it a little better than this but this was an awesome experience.

"I came into this race knowing I would have to run a personal best to advance but it wasn't there tonight.

Marla Runyan (Eugene, Ore.), who was ninth in heat 1 of qualifying round of women's 5,000 (15:24.88):

"I didn't think it was the heat. I felt like I ran hard, I just have to get the formula right. It wasn't my best race. I tried to run my pace at 15-0, but it's a hard pace to keep and if you're off just a bit, you end up being off just a bit times five."

Shalane Flanagan (Chapel Hill, N.C.), who was 11th in heat 2 of qualifying round of women's 5,000 (15:34.63):

"It was a toughy, I just tried to stay positive out there. I'm going to use this as a positive experience and come back in four years ready to roll."

(On conditioning): "Not so great, it's been a long season, I've committed myself to NCAA's and I made a sacrifice from that to come here, but it's been worth every bit. This isn't the result that I was looking for, but I'll take the experience."

(On the heat):"My feet were really hot out there. When the packs split, it was tough to stay motivated, but I wanted to at least be at the front of my pack. This is my first international 5K and my first on a track - every race I'm learning something."