Athlete Quotes - Thursday

Aretha Hill - Women's discus thrower champion

I didn't plan to get my winning throw on my first throw. You usually get off a good throw and build from that. At a meet like this, you just look to finish in the top three to get on the team. It's great to win. But right now, I'm like 'Did I win?'

Suzy Powell, 2nd place

I was throwing great the last few weeks, Aretha threw a little bit better today. We have all (herself, Hill and Sua) done well at raising the bar on our score.

Women's Heptathlon

Kim Schiemenz, leader after the Day 1

I felt better. I'm a little disappointed with how some things happened. I don't care with where I am placed as long as I have a solid day. I'm just going up against the standards I set for myself.

Shelia Burrell, 2nd place after Day 1

This meet means more to me finishing healthy and to make the top three. I was not disappointed with my marks today and feel pretty good. I want to make the team (Team USA).

Men's 100m

Bernard Williams, 1st in first heat

I wanted to get out more aggressive the first 50 yards. I didn't want to cruise in, but that is where I wanted to concentrate more. The field is wide open because you never know who is going to win unless they do it. I'm going for the win and not here to play.

Justin Gatlin, 4th in first heat

One leg is fairly stronger than the other. I just want to make it through the next round. I feel I am a rookie but everyone makes mistakes.

Tim Montgomery, 1st in fourth heat

Its nice and warmer out here. I am very pleased (with my race today). I wasn't surprised running a 10:04 in the 1st round and I am looking forward to Friday. I hope Gatlin can come back with him coming off an injury. I don't run for people I run for myself.

Women's 100m

Chryste Gaines, 2nd in first heat

I felt good and wanted to get through healthy. I've been out the past few weeks with back spasms. It happened right after Pre (Nike Prefontaine Classic) and then had to pull out of Oracle and Home Depot (meets) because the burning (sensation) in my back. Right now I am taking it round by round and we will see what happens on Friday. I think having Gail (Devers) compete in the 100 is like a treat.

Kelli White, 2nd in third heat

My head wasn't there, and I wanted to get through the rounds healthy. It's tough to run six races in four days.

Women's 400m Hurdles

Joanna Hayes, winner heat 1

I just went out with the time my coach asked me to get. I then maintained my position. I planned to finish in the top two today. Time was no factor for me.

Men's 100m

Shawn Crawford

It was a good race. I got into the top three. My goal was to make it to the next round. I am happy.

Brian Lewis

This was a pretty good race for me. I got injured here last year and that threw off my rhythm for the rest of the season. I'm in great shape this year. About a month ago, I went back to Norfolk to work out with my coach. I'm now looking to run at 9.95.

Women's 100m

Inger Miller

It was the first round for us. I didn't look to push it. The top four (in each race) make it to the next round. Tonight, my form was not right. My blocks were not right either. But it's all right.

Torri Edwards

I'm pretty satisfied with how I did today. It was a nice, easy race for me. I wasn't looking for a time. I just wanted to advance.

Men's 800m

David Krummenacker

I had no plans on running here. Tuesday, I could not take my flight. I hurt my right hamstring during practice Monday. I was sending out e-mails to my friends that the meet would be void of my attendance. I have been getting therapy twice a day since I got here. It's a miracle that I am here.

Women's 800m

Jearl Miles Clark

It felt good to get out there today. I haven't raced in a while and I'm trying to get my rhythm back. I feel good and I'm focused on finishing in the top three to make the team for the World Championships.

Nicole Teter

It was great. It felt good out there. I was able to open it up on the backstretch. Everyone looked strong. We are going to have a good trial tomorrow. I wanted to win to get a good spot in the next round.

Men's 400m Qualifying

Tyree Washington

This is my first race since the Prefontaine meet and it feels real good to get out there again. I was able to get out and get a good lead and was able to shut it down late in the race to conserve some energy. Things are going well and I'm grateful.

Women's 1500m Qualifying

Regina Jacobs

I decided not to run the 800 because I have a slight strain in my left Achilles. At this stage of my career I have to be more careful. I'm looking forward to the final.

Men's 3000m Steeplechase Qualifying

Daniel Lincoln

It was good to get the cobwebs out and get ready for Saturday. I worked on the hurdles and made sure that my form is good. I didn't have to take it out that hard there. I have been looking forward to this week.

Men's Discus

Carl Brown - winner

This year I made a vow to go out 100 percent in practice or not go out at all. With the help of my wife, I was able to move out to California and train at the Olympic Center. I'm now able to train fulltime.

Men's 10,000m

Daniel Brown - 3rd place

They (Abdi Abdirahman and Meb Keflezighi) are a tough pair. They never have bad days. I came into the race rested and ready to go. I didn't feel like kicked that hard.

Meb Keflizighi - 2nd place

We had good weather for the race. The concern is to get the "A" standard for next year. I would have loved to have defending my title. Dan is a finisher.

Alan Culpepper - Winner

Meb (Keflezighi) and Abdi (Abdirahman) did most of the work. I didn't want to get going at 200 meters. I just wanted to stay on it. I've had a sore big toe for a couple months and I didn't know for a while if I was going to compete here. I later found out that I tore a ligament on my big toe, and they say it's more of a ballet dancer's injury that might have developed from running in spikes. I had an insert made and it's really helped. Now the pain hits me after I race. There's a strong possibility that I will compete in the 5000 tomorrow.

Women's 10,000m

Elva Dryer - 2nd place

I feel good about making the world championship team. There is still stuff for me to work on, but I am moving in the right direction. I figured at some point Deena would make a move. She is the best America has to offer.

Katie McGregor - 3rd place

I tried to get the "A" standard here but couldn't get it. I'm not sure if I'm going to run this race again or not. I like the 10K. I'm not sure if I am going to two more 10ks. I have an "A" standard in me. I just need to get into the right race.