Athlete Quotes - Day 1

Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Sanya Richards, Winner, Heat 4 of Womens 400m Quarterfinals (53.14)

I wasnt prepared to run today (due to a miscommunication at the track regarding the cancellation of some preliminary heats), but I got my mind back into it and I think I ran a pretty good race for the first round.

Monique Henderson, Winner, Heat 3 of Womens 400m Quarterfinals (52.81)

Its a really fast track, I ran relaxed and I felt like a ran a really good time. The crowd was great and the stadium was very nice.

Marshevet Hooker, Winner, Heat 1 of Womens 100m Quarterfinals (11.65)

It was a pretty good prelim. I got to relax. I feel as the races go on, I will continue to push myself, but I felt pretty relaxed.

The track feels really good. I got a good grip. I really think I can do something special here.

Kenneth Ferguson, Winner, Heat 3 of Mens 400m Quarterfinals (50.38)

I had a little trouble on the backstretch, but then I just stretched out my strides and I ran a personal best. It is going to be tougher tomorrow.

Jeremy Silverman, 12th place, Mens Shot Put Final (18.38)

I just did not throw very well overall to truthful. It was a great experience for me and Im glad to have come this far.

It was hard it seems like I peaked for Junior Nationals and it just seems like a long season.

Sean Shields, Silver Medal, Mens Shot Put (20.54m)

I think if Id had more rest, it would have been better, but I think I had plenty of time to prepare. I got off one good throw all day, but it was enough for the silver medal and I will take that. Im just not used to throwing that light shot.

Sara Bei, 15th place, Womens 3000m Final (9:38.92)

Im excited because it was awesome to be out here at this World track competition. From the start, it was crazy, the Europeans and the Ethiopians were all around me. It is very different then World Cross where I did even see them during the race, they were out hard. This time is was really excited to be up there with them and just kind of relax in there and run tough. The end didnt end completely great, but Im excited because this is part of my preparation for cross (country).

Rod Koborsi, 11th in Mens 5000m Finals (14:24.9 )

I wished Id done a little bit better, but the seasons been long and its the middle of the summer. Its been great to be here, with the great atmosphere on the USA team. Hopefully Ill be able to do this again on the senior level. Ive enjoyed it so much.

What I learned from this experience is that in my future career, Im going to be facing a lot of challenges, like Im going to go into a national championships or an NCAA meet and Im not going to feel too good that day. My training might not be going so well, I might be a little sick and this tells me if Im not feeling that great, I still can run well. There is no excuse for bombing out.