Athlete Quotes - Day 3

Thursday, July 18, 2002

Andra Manson, Gold medal in Mens high jump (2.31m/7-7) **American Junior Record, World Junior leader and personal best**

I had some great jumps. The best jumps of my life. I just tried to focus and jump. I am going to Arkansas in the fall and I am looking forward to college. I feel great. I know its a great feeling. I am happy.

Monique Henderson, Gold medal in Womens 400m (51.10)

I got out fast and I knew that Sanya was going to run fast also, so I waited for her to come up on me and I just tried to run with her and get her in the last hundred.

I got adjusted to the track. I love the track, so I felt stronger yesterday and I knew it would be pretty good today.

Darold Williamson, Gold medal in Mens 400m (45.37)

"Right off the first curve, I felt John (Fortenberry) on my inside so I picked it up a little bit and just tried to stay with him to the final curve. When I felt the pressure, I just kicked.

Sanya Richards, Silver medal in Womens 400m (51.49)

I just didnt have anything left in me. My legs felt really heavy and she (Monique Henderson) ran a better race than me today, so congratulations to her.

Jonathan Fortenberry, Silver medal in Mens 400m (45.73)

"I was coming around the third curve and I saw Darold (Williamson) and I wanted to give it all I could. You really can't train for that last 100m, but I am thankful to God, he brought me through. I am pleased with the medal and hopefully one day I will be a champion. Darold didn't get out real hard so about 270 I moved in. At the 170 mark I started to make my move and at the 80m mark, I just gave it my all. Darold and Jermaine (Gonzalez bronze medalist from Jamaica) competed like real champions. I am thrilled to win this medal."

Trevell Quinley, Bronze medal in Mens long jump (7.71m/25.3-5)

"First of all, I just want to thank God for bring me here to this point. Those werent my footsteps in the sand, those were His. My family, my aunt and uncle, just for the support, they are Gods angels in disguise. I really want to thank them for motivating me to come here (to World Juniors). Its been a rough past couple of months personally and Im just happy that I got through this.

Im satisfied with my performance. I medaled and that was my goal. I got beat by guys that were number 1 and number 2 in the world. It went well. Thanks to the trainers Sparky and Sherry for making me loose. And coach (Jack) Warner for making the right adjustments for me. I have a lot of people to thank, there is no way I did this on my own.

Allyson Felix, Winner in heat 4, Womens 200m (23.77)

I felt fine. I wanted to make it through the rounds. I just wanted to get out there and do just enough to win the heat. I feel great. I am saving it for the finals. It will be tough, but I will be ready.

Rubin Williams, 2nd place in heat 2, Mens 200m (21.06)

I knew what to expect with the guy from the Bahamas (Grafton Ifill). My start was fine. I might have taken something off at the end. I was comfortable with my race today.

Jesse Williams, 5th place in finals of Mens high jump (2.21m/7-3) Personal Best

I cant believe what Andra (Manson) just did. I am so happy for him. That was unbelievable. What a great day for him. We are roommates here and we have been talking a lot about jumping. We are both excited about the meet. I honestly didnt feel great today, but I PRed. I know I can do better but so can Andra. What a great day for him. It was his day. We are competing against the worlds best. I am very happy with my finish, very happy. I have plenty of time to improve in the next few years.