Athlete Quotes - Day 8

MEN'S 200m FINAL

SHAWN CRAWFORD, Nike

"I'm very happy to represent the U.S. in the 100 and 200. I'm confident we'll go out on the track and represent. I'm ready to run to the best of my ability and bring home some medals."

On running under 20 seconds twice in the Trials: "I just went out and let it go. It feels good to go under 20 twice, but it would have been better to do it four times. That will come soon."

JUSTIN GATLIN, Nike

"In the semis, I tore some skin off the bottom of my big toe. Last night, I had to do a lot of surgery, tape it up, and put alcohol on it. There was a lot of competition out there, so I either had to cut off my toe and sow it back on after, or suck it up and do it."

BERNARD WILLIAMS, Nike

"I was mad about the 100, so I'm happy to be here in the 200. This is a revolution, and be sure to cheer for us in Athens."

DARVIS PATTON, adidas

"I thought I had a decent start, but my legs wouldn't get going and I got the infamous fourth spot. I knew they were getting away, but thought I had enough speed. I guess I ran out of real estate. I'm still going to Athens in the relay, so I can't be disappointed. I ran to the best of my abilities.

JOHN CAPEL, adidas "This is a tough meet and the best guys came out on top. They showed their power and force, and they deserved it. I didn't come to play. I'm only 25 years old, so I still have some years left in me. For some reason, I couldn't execute any power on the track. That may have been because I was putting so much emphasis on my technique."

WOMEN'S 200m FINAL

ALLYSON FELIX, adidas

"I felt really good today. It was exciting going to the Trials. I've had to be patient all year. It was such a different season from last year. Last year, I ran so many races that by the time the World Championships came, I was worn out. This year, I didn't want that to happen again. I wanted to save my best for later in the season and the Olympics, and now I'm on my way. It feels great to have the hard work pay off."

MUNA LEE, Nike

"I came in just wanting to finish. Everyone says I don't have a good finish, and I just wanted to finish well. That's exactly what I did."

TORRI EDWARDS, adidas

"I felt O.K. I got a little tired. Allyson (Felix) got out real well. I just got beat today. I did the best that I could. My first goal was to make the team, whether it was first, second or third. Just to make the team.

"It's been a tough week. I wanted to come out and prove to everyone that I haven't done performance-enhancing drugs. It was a mistake on my part, I'm going to do what I've been doing for the past two months, tell the truth (at tomorrow's hearing).

"I'm celebrating because I've worked hard this year and I've earned this."

LaSHAUNTE'A MOORE, Unattached

"I'm used to running from behind, so it didn't put pressure on me. I'm pretty confident of my speed on the straightaway and tried to maintain my form. This is a celebration for me because I'm going to Athens, and at my first Olympic Trials."

MEN'S 1500m FINAL

ALAN WEBB, Nike

"I knew it was going to take a really decisive move to break away from those guys. I knew if someone came with me, they were going to be hurting just as much as I was."

Regarding the lack of U.S. success in this event: "Why can't U.S. milers do better on the international scene? The answer is for Alan Webb go out, run, and try to beat as many guys as I can. Not just in the U.S., but in the rest of the world."

CHARLIE GRUBER, Nike

"When Alan (Webb) made his strong move at 800 meters, that was one of the hardest, strongest moves I've ever seen in a race. African runners treat it like "Africa against the world", we need to do that too. We need to treat it like "Americans against the world", and not me against Alan. In the U.S., we need to come together to see how we can run against the world."

ROB MYERS, Unattached

"When Alan (Webb) made his move, I tried to keep as much contact as I possibly could. At 400 meters, I went as hard as I could to try and catch him and it got me to third, so I'm happy with that."

CHRISTOPHER LUKEZIC, Unattached

"I felt really good and bounced back after NCAA's. I've never run from the back before. I was too far off the pace up front with 700 to go, and was making up ground the whole way until the last 800. I was a lot more tense at the NCAA's and out of it mentally. I kept my head clear here, Alan (Webb) deserves it. We worked out three times a week in the fall, and then again in the spring when he got back. He's like a teammate."

MICHAEL STEMBER, Nike

"My spike ripped open on me, but I dealt with it. I knew if Alan got a jump, it would be hard to catch him. When he is four seconds better than the rest of the field, it was basically two races and I should have tucked in early and focused on winning the battle for second. It's too bad I couldn't run well for the hometown crowd. I'm not sure if this is it for me, I have to make some money some time and start saving. Regardless, this sport has meant a lot to me and my life, in high school and college, and it still does. Being able to work out on a Wednesday with Coach Gagliano is a special thing and what this sport should be about."

JASON LUNN, Nike

"I was having problems with a shoe today and I was changing my stride to try and fix it, but couldn't quite get it worked out. I came in fit and was ready to go. It's too bad I didn't get the "A" standard a few weeks ago in Europe. I'm the defending champion, but all I could do was run for second today. I didn't expect Alan (Webb) to open up such a big gap, even though everyone knew he would make a move. I figured it would be after the 400 or as late as 600 to go. I haven't seen a move like that since Gabe Jennings did it in 2000."

WOMEN'S 1500m FINAL

CARRIE TOLLEFSON, adidas

"I don't know what happened. I was in the second position, so I knew I had to get out quickly. Leading from the gun to the end isn't my coach's first choice or mine. But you have to do what you have to do."

About not having the Olympic standard: "We know you have to run the standards to go to the Olympics. I ran 15.04 in the 5K, and I expected to make the 5K. But all of us are going to have to go to Europe and I expect all of us to run 4.05 and make the team.

JENNIFER TOOMEY, Nike

"This is the only the second 1,500 championship that I've run, and I was a nervous wreck before the race. I was going hard at the half, and I went all out at the end. I'm happy with that."

About not having the Olympic standard: "There is an opportunity for all of us to get into competitive races, and I have no doubt we will each get (the "A" standard."

AMY RUDOLPH, Nike

"I wanted to make the team badly. I went for it in the 5K. Today was just guts and desire to get me in the top three."

SARAH SCHWALD, Nike

"They wore me down early. If I go out too fast, I go anaerobic too soon and the wheels tend to fall off. In the prelims, we had a really slow first 400, and then a quick final 400, which I'm O.K. with. I figured at least one of the 5K runners would take it out strong to try and take the kick out of the milers. I'm surprised it wasn't faster, they went through in 66 on the first lap, and then the pace slipped a little."

MARLA RUNYAN, Nike

"I'm really tired, especially mentally. The heat has also taken a lot out of me. I hesitated today and didn't make a move when I needed to, and didn't have the fight I needed."

MEN'S 110m HURDLES FINAL

TERRENCE TRAMMELL, Mizuno

"I wanted to really have a good start. I was in slow motion and I came back to it around hurdle seven. Thank God. I didn't notice anyone else hitting hurdles and I ran my PR today."

DUANE ROSS, Nike

"I'm extremely happy. This is my first Olympics team. It was a little sloppy, but I'm happy."

ALLEN JOHNSON, Nike

"I haven't been injured. I haven't not been hurdling. I'm going to Athens and this is my third Olympic team. I honestly don't know which hurdle I hit. Probably the second or third one. I regrouped and ran the best I could. Every hurdle race has been great for me."

WOMEN'S 100m HURDLES FINAL

GAIL DEVERS, Nike

"It's over. I'm very thankful for the victory, which the announcer informed me this is the 10th in this race. I'm ecstatic. We Bruins (UCLA graduate), we did it again. I think we are sending a great team to Athens.

"The key to my longevity is still having fun. Going out on my own and coaching myself has been my biggest challenge. Now, when I go to the track, there is no one with me. It's just me and my seven-pound Pomeranian, who is my training partner."

JOANNA HAYES, Nike

"I'm so grateful to be here. I'm blessed. People work hard and give it their best, and I'm just happy to be here. I just wanted to give it my best and get this experience. I had a PR in the semis and ran my second-fastest time in the final. To run that close to Gail, I know I can be successful."

MELISSA MORRISON, adidas

"I really didn't think I'd be here because of injuries. Coming in, I said, 'I'm not going to be nervous, I'm just going to run and have fun. I called my Mom in North Carolina and told here we're going to Athens. She asked me why I couldn't pick a better lane, and told her I was assigned that lane. I didn't have to win today to win. The goal was to get to Athens. I've been injured the past three weeks, and can barely walk on either Achilles. That was the fastest wind-legal time of the season for me."

JENNY ADAMS, Nike

"It just wasn't my day. Everything was coming together, and I thought it would be my day. It just wasn't. I know everything happens for a reason and it's hard to work your whole life for something. My dream hasn't come true yet, maybe in four more years."

DANIELLE CARRUTHERS, Nike

"There are two sides to finishing fourth. It's the worst place to be in, but it's been a long season and I switched coaches in March. When we were waiting for the results on the scoreboard, I was saying a prayer because I was in lane eight and couldn't see what happened during the race.

"There was some benefit to being in lane eight because there was nothing to bother me on my right. I ran as fast as I could. If I hadn't run like I did in the prelims, I wouldn't have been out there and everything happens for a reason.

"I've made it very clear I'm a 12-second hurdler. I've improved this year and a lot in the last four years."

About Gail Devers: "It's mind over matter. She was the very first one who was sweet to me. It was an honor for me to run with her."

WOMEN'S 20 km RACE WALK FINAL

TERESA VAILL, Walk USA

"I just went out at a comfortable pace and I kept going and going. I was confident coming in and my training was good. I listened to my coach and everything worked out. It's about time I made the Olympics. It's all well worth it. I'm very excited."

JOANNE DOW, adidas

"I felt great coming in. I was rested and ready. I felt good through 6K and then I began having trouble with my breathing. I slowed down and never regained my energy. Two months ago, doctors discovered a fibroid on my uterus which is going to cause me to have to have a hysterectomy. That condition kept me from breathing properly. I was disappointed, but I have a great life."

BOBBI CHAPMAN, unattached

"It was great. I started sixth and moved to fifth before ending in third place. It was hotter than I wanted it to be, but I have no control over that. I finished 14th at the last Trials, so I don't have words for this. I had only prayed that I would do this well."

MEN'S HIGH JUMP FINAL

JAMIE NIETO, Nike

"My goal was 233, and I'm happy that I cleared it. The plan was to take it jump by jump. High jumping is very mental, you think about all aspects of your jumping. I take it a step further in that I think about what I'm going to do after I clear a bar. Am I going to clap? Am I going to point at the crowd? I have fun, put on a show, and that makes me jump higher. Making the Olympic team is a surreal experience. I look forward to going to Athens, and bringing home a medal.

"Being at the Olympic Training Center is a great experience, there are a lot of great athletes there. You really get a broad exposure to a lot of different sports."

MATT HEMINGWAY, adidas

"I think we went out and knew what our competition would be like. These are the same three guys we took to worlds last year. High jumping is a mix of competing against the bar and your competitors."

TORA HARRIS, Nike

"I came in with a plan of just making bars. If I did that, in the end I'd make the team. You just go out there and do it."

CHARLES AUSTIN, Unattached

Austin was the 1996 Olympics gold medalist in the high jump

"I really wanted to come out and jump better. I had an opportunity to make the team, but I didn't complete the jump. I knew coming into the Trials that I wasn't technically sound. I knew if I put everything together, I'd get over the bar."

About Charles retiring: "That's it, I'm retired. No more, and it won't be a (Michael) Jordan thing either. I'm done."

WOMEN'S POLE VAULT FINAL

STACY DRAGILA, Nike

"We have a solid team going to Athens. I feel blessed to be a part of it. I'm really thrilled."

Regarding her attempt at the world record: "I was feeling that good today. I wanted to see if I had it in my bag of goods today, but then the wind started shifting. I gave it a good shot."

JILLIAN SCHWARTZ, Nike

"It was a tough competition. It was amazing, one of the best meets we've ever had in the United States."

KELLIE SUTTLE, Nike

"This is such a hard competition. I've had the roughest season ever. I had no expectations coming into the Trials. I'm so excited. I honestly had no doubt I'd make the team. This is my third team I've made outdoors.

On her pole breaking: "I didn't have a choice. In the middle of the Olympic Trials, what are you going to do? I got lucky that someone was watching over me. When the pole snapped, I squeezed my hand to make sure I was O.K. I looked at my coach, and forgot about it right there."

MEN'S DISCUS THROW FINAL

JARRED ROME, Unattached

"The Olympic Training Center is the No. 1 reason why I'm here. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here. I wasn't that good in high school, but I did earn a scholarship. My sophomore year in college, I just kept going with it. The three guys that medaled today will be around for a while. I was lucky to have such good coaches in high school, college and at the Olympic Training Center."

How if feels to represent the U.S.: "It hasn't sunk in yet, I can't describe it."

IAN WALTZ, Unattached

"It's a tough road. There is no real money in throwing, so it's hard to go to school while also working and training. The opportunity to work with Coach (Brooks Johnson), and now to make the Olympic Team is a dream come true.

"Today felt really good. My training partner (Jarred Rome) and I moved down to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista last fall, and we've gotten the opportunity to work with Brooks Johnson, who is an amazing guy, a great motivator, and a tremendous coach. They have great trainers, a wonderful staff and the coaches are amazing at the Training Center. It's just a great facility.

"Jarred and I have been training since 2000, and we've dreamed of making the team together for a long time. There couldn't be three better guys (himself, Casey Malone and Jarred Rome) for the team."

CASEY MALONE, Nike

"My plan today was to go out and get a big first throw, so I could relax the rest of the competition, and that's exactly how it went. I threw 211 and I was in first for a while, and it was good enough for third. The rest of my throws didn't happen because I tried to rush them.

"If you look at the history of discus, if we throw close to what we threw today, that should get us to the Olympics Final. Then, if we throw a little better than that, that should give us a good chance to medal."

CARL BROWN, Nike

"I was ready to go, I just didn't get it. I knew that I could do it on my last three throws, but it just didn't happen for me today. One of us four was not going to go to Athens. We've been battling all year, just like in the shot put. I went for it, I have no excuses."