Athlete Quotes - Day 7

MEN'S 200m QUARTERFINALS

BERNARD WILLIAMS, Nike

About running two heats in today's temperature: "I don't care if it's in a snowstorm, I have to get on this team. I feel good, it's a revolution."

DAVID NEVILLE, Indiana

"It's been a long time for me coming into my own, but I still have two more years of college, and I'm so young in my career. It's fun being around this type of competition."

MEN'S 200m SEMIFINALS

SHAWN CRAWFORD, Nike

"I'm just going to do my best in the final. I'm blessed just to get there. There are a lot of other guys who weren't able to make it, but I'm blessed to be there and I'm going to run my best."

DARVIS PATTON, adidas

"I advanced, that's the main thing and I was in the top two, so I did what I came for today. My time was faster than I wanted, but I'll take that. I'm going to win and go to the Games. That is my plan. I've got some extra in the tank, I've been saving it up."

About the heat: "This is great. This heat reminds me of Europe. We don't have that much heat, so to have this heat here stateside is sweet."

WOMEN'S 200m SEMIFINALS

TORRI EDWARDS, adidas

"I felt smooth, it felt good. I'm just focused on running my race and making the team, that's all."

RACEHELLE BOONE, Unattached

"It was a great race. I can't complain about it. I was faster than yesterday because I executed the curve better today. I'm ready to go the final, and I'm ready for Athens."

On Marion Jones dropping out of the competition and the doping scandal: "We're aware of it, but it doesn't affect us other athletes. We're here to run our race and I'm just trying to focus on what I'm here for. My prayers go out to (Marion), but I've got my race to run. If you are focused on what you are supposed to do, it works out. It would be a dream come true if I make it to Athens."

La'SHAUNTE'A MOORE, Unattached

"I'd love to make it to Athens. To do that, it's going to take a good start in the final and a fast curve. If I can put that together, I think I can be successful."

INGER MILLER, Nike

"I haven't run too many 200s this year, so I was happy to make it to the final. It will be all guts tomorrow. The biggest challenge will be overcoming the obstacles I've placed on myself. It will be all about the guts, so let's go for it."

MUNA LEE, Nike

"I feel a lot better because I'm actually one of the favorites for the first time. I know I can run much harder than I did today. I was just strolling in, making sure I kept second place.

Referring to Stephanie Durst: "I hope Stephanie and I both place in the final. Stephanie and I are roommates and friends."

WOMEN'S 400m FINAL

MONIQUE HENNAGAN, Unattached

Stadium record of 49.56: "Some people are just happy to be here, but you can't go in with that attitude. You never know if you will get another chance. You have to go there to win. With that attitude, anything can happen. I think we are capable of breaking a world record. I want to represent the "Old Heads". I walk through the halls of my hotel, and they say, 'There goes that old Head.'"

SANYA RICHARDS, Nike

"My road has been long, but it's been great. It's been a perfect support system. We're definitely going to represent this country well. I think we can go for the top three."

On why she wears a bullet around her neck: "I never take it off. It means the world to me. My mom gave it to me in the 7th or 8th grade because she said I was faster than a speeding bullet."

DeeDee TROTTER, Tennessee

"My goal here was to make the team. Now that I've done that, I will let everything else fall into place. I was inspired by a medallion given to me by my mother. It says 'Sweet victory' on the front, and on the back it says 'Lord, Guide My Feet While I Run This Race'."

MONIQUE HENDERSON, UCLA

"I'm disappointed to finish fifth. I'll get better in four years, it's definitely a goal that I have. I want to be here for another 8-12 years.

"The crowd was into it for the triple jumpers, and I knew they would be into it for us.

"I saw the race start to slip away around the last 150 meters ."

Regarding the near starts: "It didn't bother me at all."

MOUSHAUMI ROBINSON, Nike

"I got in the top six, I'm young and I still have 2008 and 2012. I love running for the U.S. and contributing.

"False starts come because of nerves. By the third time, I was ready to go. I had a personal best. I'm 23 years old, I would have liked to have a 49-second performance, but I know mine will come."

MEN'S 20 km RACE WALK FINAL

TIM SEAMAN, New York AC

"This is 20 kilometers of pain sometimes and doubt sometimes and frustration sometimes. It was a very difficult race today. Four of the top 22 guys in America were competing today. It was a top-notch field.

"I didn't sleep last night. In the first 5 km I threw up. I wasn't sure if it was nerves or the Lucky Charms I ate this morning. "

"From 10-15 kilometers I felt very strong."

KEVIN EASTLER, U. S. Air Force

"It's a great feeling to make the team. It's been a dream of mine for a long time. It really hasn't sunk in yet. In the next few days, the sense of elation will sink in."

"It wasn't my best day, but I finished the race. I had to finish. Everyone at this level is very competitive, so I feel good about finishing the race today."

JOHN NUNN, U. S. Army

"I'm certainly thrilled to make the team. This is a dream come true. I've waited all my life for this."

"I remember watching the 1984 Olympics on television and I knew I wanted to be a part of it."

CURT CLAUSEN

"It was a rough day for me. I wanted to be in the top four, so I'm happy with my place. Everything felt fine, no aches and pains which is good.

"When the pace dropped from 4:30 to 4:10 a kilometer, I just didn't have it when the pace went down. I just wasn't competitive today."

MEN'S 110m HURDLES QUALIFYING

ALLEN JOHNSON, Nike

"It was nice, easy and smooth. Coach told me to run clean and advance. I actually was a little surprised in the middle of the race about how far I was out, but I hope the rest of the rounds go just like that (nice and smooth).

"I'm going to turn up the intensity in the next round, probably from about a 5 to a 7. I haven't been on the track for 11 days. Sitting here watching everyone else run has made me antsy to get on the track. I was extremely nervous today, but I always feel that way in the first round."

DUANE ROSS, Nike

"I felt good, I'm getting ready for tomorrow. I was only at about 70 percent for this race."

What will you do different this time as opposed to the 2000 Olympic Trials: "I'm going to beat Allen (Johnson). Period. End of story. I plan on winning. In 2000, I didn't even make the finals. In the indoors, I fell and broke my wrist and finger. It's never really healed, but this time I'm going to do it. I'm going to win."

TERRENCE TRAMMELL, Mizuno

"It was easy. I was just trying to get through to the next round. I've been a little frustrated with injuries, but I'm grateful that God blessed me to be healthy when it's the right time. Now, I'm going to stay focused on what's most important - making the team."

If the Olympic Games or the Trials are more difficult: "The Trials are more difficult than the Games to some extent, because anything can happen."

DAVID PAYNE, Cincinnati

"The false start made me a little nervous, but I still ended up getting a good start. I need to remember to get my foot down quicker. I like having all the round over two days. The 110 hurdles is not much of a tiring race, so it takes a few races to progress.

"I've made it to the Olympic Trials. If I don't go to the finals, I won't be disappointed."

RYAN WILSON, Nike

"I had a small hamstring pull a few months ago, but I feel good right now."

JOEL BROWN, Ohio State

Regarding a lack of international experience: "I expect to do well, especially in a race like this one. Anything can happen.

MEN'S 110m HURDLES QUARTERFINALS

ALLEN JOHNSON, Nike

"I was just trying to get through the round as easily as possible, work on a few technical aspects. My second race was not as smooth as the first because it was a lot faster, but I made it through."

On terms of his nerves: "I never stop getting nervous in the first rounds, especially because you finally get to run after sitting around so long watching everyone else race. But I got it out of my system. I know how I'm feeling now. Overall, I didn't think I had a lot to worry about today, because if I'm not good enough to get in the top 16, I shouldn't be here anyway."

WOMEN'S 100m HURDLES QUARTERFINALS

JOANNA HAYES, Nike

"I had a very bad start. I was just getting the kinks worked out today. Tomorrow, I want to get out and run a clean race in the semifinals and save a little for the final."

NICHOLE DENBY, Unattached

"I got out very well on the first 6, and after that, I just wanted to hold it. We've got a big day tomorrow, so I have to preserve my energy. The prelims and early rounds are more never wracking than the finals. You can't get to the finals if you don't make it through the early rounds."

MELISSA MORRISON, adidas

"Through the end, I knew I was in the top three so there was no reason to press. I have to save everything for the finals tomorrow."

When asked about her age (33) and longevity: "Being an athlete, you don't ever want to give up. Athletes are mentally tough, and what I go through out here on the track is nothing compared to what I've been through in my life. You just have to be tough."

About getting back on the medal stands after getting bronze in Sydney: "I would love to get back on the medal stand and get a gold medal, but even a silver or bronze will get you on the podium. You look for that one moment you've been training for all your life. Those 12 seconds on the podium, getting your medal, there is no words to describe it.

BRENDA TAYLOR, Nike

"It's a night and day difference between the two hurdles races. I had my first workout in a long time two days ago. I didn't run as fast as I had hoped, but it's a relief to get it over with. I've only raced the 100 hurdles once this year, so today was more to keep working on my technique which helps in the 400 hurdles. A lot of 400 hurdles girls are also doing it for the same reason.

"I'm having a good time. Any time you can smile after a race, you are having a good time."

JENNY ADAMS, Nike

"I think it's going to take a time in the 12.50s to make the team, and I'm prepared to do that. This is a good, fast track and the goal in the rounds is to run as easy as possible, but fast enough to still prepare for the final. I've been running in the high 12.60s this season. When you run like that, I think a PR is just waiting to happen."

SHEENA JOHNSON, Nike

"I haven't run a 100 hurdles race since NCAA's five weeks ago. It's a little hard getting back into it, especially after running well in the 400 hurdles earlier this meet. The key for me is to make sure I clear all the hurdles cleanly because if you hit one, it really messes you up. My main goal is to run a time of 12.60.

MEN'S TRIPLE JUMP FINAL

MELVIN LISTER, Unattached

"I knew that I lost the long jump, and that's what I wanted. I had nothing to lose in the triple jump, I just wanted respect. I'm not being sponsored. I have a full-time job installing car stereos at Circuit City and I train full-time."

WALTER DAVIS, Nike

"Now, I'm a man. Four years ago, I was just getting my feet wet."

KENTA BELL, Nike

"I had a great year and a great meet. I was just outperformed today. I have worked at the Olympic Training Center for the past two years, they've been great as far as helping me and allowing me to not have to work or deal with all the stresses of life. I owe a lot to the Olympic Training Center."

MEN'S JAVELIN THROW FINAL

BREAUX GREER, adidas

Note: Set an Olympic Trials and stadium record on his first throw (270-04).

When asked if he was surprised on getting the record on the first throw: "I wasn't surprised, I was kind of tired when I got up this morning so I thought I'd give it everything on the first try. I got lucky, I think I hit an air pocket and it just kept going."

Asked if he was allergic to money going to the Olympics instead of playing baseball: "There are a million people out there who can say they've played pro baseball, but not that many can say they won a gold medal at the Olympics. I want to be the one, not just one of the guys. My goal is to throw 100 meters at the Olympics, and want to keep training for the javelin through 2008."

Note: Breaux Greer suffered a torn ACL three-and-a-half weeks ago and will need surgery after the Olympics.

BRIAN CHAPUT, Penn

"I haven't made the team yet. I still have to hit the "A" standard. I'm going to try as many meets as I can. I hit a clean throw, it only takes one. I've been having trouble hitting the point for the last 6-7 years."

LEIGH SMITH, Tennessee

"I'm really close (to the "A" standard), I'm going to see how it goes in the next couple of weeks. I keep hammering in the dark, trying to find that nail. As javelin throwers, we have to support each other. We don't draw huge crowds and most people don't even know what a javelin is."

DECATHLON - SECOND DAY (FINAL)

BRYAN CLAY, Nike

"I'm happy with my score, it was a big PR for me. I think there were a lot more points left out there. If you look at my indoor score, that alone should tell you I'm a contender. I think I'm going to give Tom (Pappas) and Roman (Sebrle) a run for their money.

I don't think it will be a walk in the park for anyone. I've had seven PR's in seven different events this year. The only thing today that was a lifetime personal best was the vault and the javelin. I think there were a lot of points that I could improve upon. Any athlete in the Trials will tell you that making the team is the most important thing."

TOM PAPPAS, Nike

"I'm extremely happy I made the team. I would have liked to win the event, and I'm disappointed with my score. Physically, I feel like I'm in the best shape ever. I just wasn't sharp in the high jump or the throws.

"I'm proud of my (Greek) heritage. I think the (people of Greece) are excited about me going to Athens, and I feel honored about that. Hopefully, I give them something to cheer about."

PAUL TEREK, WGADC

"I knew I had to stay with them (Bryan Clay and Tom Pappas) to make the team. We have another meet in a month, hopefully we'll do better."

BEVAN HART, U.S. Army

"It's a great way for me to end my career with my friends and family here. The crowd was very supportive of all the athletes. Sacramento has done a wonderful job twice now. This is essentially where I started my career. My high school vault coach was here. Our race was a little easier than the second race. It was cool to have the fans clap all around the track."

KIP JANVRIN, Unattached

"I have not been out of shape since 1992. I think the world knew Bryan Clay would be someone to reckon with. He (Bryan Clay) is proving he is for real."

PHIL McMULLEN, Nike

"My goal and No. 1 focus was to make the team, and I didn't do that. I fell short, but you take the time and look at all the lessons you've learned in your life and maybe realize your life wasn't a complete waste."

STEPHEN MOORE, Unattached

"It was a great competition and everything I expected. I battled for third place up until the pole vault, but still gave it my best after that. The conditions didn't affect me, I trained in Texas and it's just like this, except windier. I'll definitely be back four years from now. I just took a different coaching job (at Abilene Christian as an assistant coach for the multi-events, sprints and throws) and hopefully that will help me have more time to train."

MARION JONES QUOTES

"I made a decision. I've always wanted to do my best. I'm physically tired. I've had a lot of jumps, a lot of races. Unfortunately, I won't be able to defend my 200-meter Olympics title. I felt I had a good shot after the qualifying round. I was definitely a little down after the 100, but I took two days off to regroup and to be with my friends and family. I want people to know my success is due to hard work.

Inside the Press Conference

"Overall, my reason for pulling out the 200 was fatigue - no other reason. After the round yesterday, I was exhausted. It happens. It just hadn't happened in the past. I've always told myself that if I can't give 100 percent, I won't go out there. This won't be my only chance of making the Olympics team and I didn't want to take a lane away from someone else who wanted to run.

"It's been an up and down year, I was very pleased with my long jump in the final. My series proved I'm definitely a contender at the Olympics. I'm very excited. I'm disappointed I wasn't in the top three in the 100. After the semis, I was excited and thought I had a good chance, but I didn't match that in the final. The two days off really helped me and gave me a chance to relax and spend time with my friends and family. They reminded me that I'm supposed to have fun out here. Some reporters were asking why I had a scowl on my face. I don't care what I look like, and whatever it takes. My goal coming in was to make a second Olympics team and now I have a few weeks to get ready for Athens.

"Most of the fatigue I've had is physical. If you ask any athlete here, they will tell you how much this meet can drag you down emotionally. Then, you figure with the extra stuff I've dealt with over the past few months, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.

"I was extremely disappointed by the way I ran. You want to run your best when you are supposed to. This is the most difficult Olympic Trials in the world and you have to place in the top three or you won't go. It just didn't happen on the day for me. If I do get offered a spot in the 100, I'll take advantage of it and prepare for it over the next few weeks, and in case it happens, I will run some races in Europe. If the coaches like or need me on the relay, then I'd be open to doing whatever.

Why she hasn't spoken to the media during the meet: "I've spoken to you a lot this year prior to Sacramento, and I wanted to focus on making the Olympics team and what I do best. I know I took it on the chin for rushing out of the track, but I also wanted to make sure I was ready for the next day. If that meant getting a massage or whatever, then that is what I needed to do."

"I'm not angry at the media and it's been the hardest week, most challenging Olympic Trials of my career. Ninety-five percent of you know me and I have relationships with you, but there are an unfortunate few who don't understand or investigate the truth. My whole issue is about those who have never met me, and still have negative comments. You understand my job and I understand your job. The past one-and-a-half weeks, my performances have not been affected by the media.

"Child birth has been tougher than I thought. I've been so successful since 14 years old that you think not much can get in the way of success. I absolutely have no regrets and would do it all over again. I got my weight back down easily. I look fit and feel fit. But it hasn't happened (in the races) and it's not from a lack of hard work.

"I'm going to skip Paris and go home and regroup. My next meet should be the Crystal Palace in London and probably another Golden League meet prior to Athens.

"As a mother, I've been extremely blessed over the past year. My son has two grandmothers nearby and one is actually staying with us right now. He is one year old now, so he's sleeping through the night. So, it's not an issue of me being without rest. The biggest struggle has been to juggle the emotions when I'm away or I have to leave. It has been very difficult, much more than I thought it would be and has bothered me more than not competing or racing well.

What perceptions do you want people to have of you instead of just the headlines: "I can't control people who just read the headlines. Overall, I've been pleased with what has been written. Most of the writing has been about facts or what writers think are facts. My perception from most of the fans are they are in support of me. I've traveled to a few meets in Europe and the U.S. and I've seen a lot of people who support me as you probably do unless you have blinders on. They believe I have achieved this through hard work. Nobody knows exactly the facts."

Talking about Tim Montgomery: "It's extremely unfortunate what has been leaked. It's hard to know what is true, what is not. I'll say it again, he is a wonderful friend and father. He said he's never taken any performance enhancing drugs and I believe him. The unfortunate thing is there are athletes that have never tested positive, but in the past few months have been unable to train without scrutiny and that part is unfair. Media know what athletes have not tested positive and their names have still been dragged through the mud.

"I haven't had the opportunity or pleasure of talking to the Tigerbelles that were honored here. I have to agree with them that my posture wasn't right and my technique wasn't very good.

"The 'Super Marion' label was never used by myself. When you have so many good performances, you can start to think you are pretty good, and this year, I have been slapped in the face. This just happened to be a really bad year. I can't quietly have a bad year. I'm optimistic that I will end the year on a high note with several gold medals. This down year gives me more motivation to prove myself to the world that I still have it. That I'm not a shriveled up old mother that can only run 11.14, that I'm a 29-year old that can still get it done at the world level."