Athlete Quotes - adidas Track Classic

Held: May 22, 2005 at the Home Depot Center, Carson, CA

<< back to main page

Amy Acuff (Women's High Jump; Withdrew from competition)

On today's withdrawal: Little of a rocky start. I felt something in my foot, and I didn't want to rip my tendon from the bone. This all happened in warm-ups, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

On the upcoming USATF trials: I'm looking forward to Nationals, trying to stay healthy, and focusing on making the team.

Anthony Famiglietti (Men's 3000m steeplechase winner, 8:25.16)

On today's race: Felt tired. Had very hard workouts the last couple weeks. Today was just a race to see where I was at and very happy with the result.

About the USATF trials: My training is right where it needs to be. I'm looking forward to peaking right in August, and I'm right on pace.

Joanna Hayes (Women's 100m hurdles, 12.64)

On today's race: I got a good start. The race was going good until about the 6th hurdle, and I felt other athletes around me. I had to remind myself to stay focused and not race the other athletes, and run my race.

On the USATF trials: The trials are going to be an exciting meet. I look forward to it. My family gets to watch since I'm from this area. I'm just really excited.

Jarred Rome (Men's Discus, 208-9)

On today's competition: Last week at Salinas, I had the best meet of my life, so today was pretty good. It's tough to throw here because of the heavy tailwind and slick ring, so I'm happy to come away with a 64-meter throw.

On the upcoming Nationals: They are moving the ring to the other side of the facility, so we'll have a favorable wind, so I'm excited. I'm going to head to the Grand Prix meet next weekend, and just keep doing what I'm doing.

Veronica Campbell (Women's 100m dash, 10.96, -0.3 m/sec wind, wind-legal)

On today's race: A very good race. I was satisfied with the race.

On the facility: The facility was nice and the crowd was great.

Bershawn Jackson (Men's 400m hurdles, 47.62)

On today's race: I felt great. My training is coming together. This race I feel like I put it all together. I'm happy with the race.

On the upcoming Nationals: I just want to make the team.

John Godina (Winner, Men's shot put, 72-10.00/22.20m)

On training in Arizona: This is the best I've ever done, and my training has changed a lot since moving to Arizona. Even since I got married, I've had a different approach to life, and my training has been more easy and relaxed.

On Nationals: I feel good about the upcoming meets. I don't project anything. I'm just going to go out there and try my best.

Adam Nelson (4th place in Men's Shot Put, 67-05.25/20.55m)

It was the first meet of the outdoor season for me. I'm coming off of an injury, and I've only had six practices since January, so I'm pleased with the performance.

I think this is a good indicator of where I'm at, since I haven't been able to do much. I'll be ready for next month's championships, provided I get some training in.

Dana Buller (Women's Pole Vault, 14-09.00/4.50m - new Canadian record)

This is a great place to pole vault. I love it here, and the fans are awesome. I seem to have good luck here.

Bernard Lagat (Men's 1500m, 3:34.34)

The last lap, I felt I had a lot left. The rabbit did a good job keeping a fast pace, and I was able to run a 1:53 800m split, and you can't ask for better than that. That last lap I tried to push to get 3:32, but 3:34 early in the season is not bad.

On the American Record: It shouldn't take long to break the American record. I'd like to break the record, but that's not my motivation. My motivation is to run fast.

On changing citizenship: Kenya wasn't happy with my situation, and it's a touchy subject there. But my reasons for wanting to become an American citizen are legitimate. It's not about money, but a question of my future. What I'll do after my career - I want to settle here, and work here, and that was my reason for switching citizenship.

Allyson Felix (Women's 200m, 22:14)

I tried to get out hard, and relax off the curve. Lauryn was out there, but I relied on my strength down the stretch.

I'm pleased with this time, because it's a great point in my season, but I'm just continuing to focus on race strategy.

New coach Bobby Kersee: His philosophy is different, and we're just working on the front end of the race right now.

I feel I have a lot left to run. Last year's emphasis was on making the Olympic team, but now, the emphasis is how I can place at Worlds.

On Flo-jo's record: It's a marvelous record, but not unrealistic to break. If not me, one of my teammates, or several of my teammates will break it. It's just a matter of time.

Leonard Scott (Men's 100m dash, 10.03, -1.3 m/sec wind, wind-legal)

I feel the race was okay. I still got a lot of things to work on. Looking forward to Nationals.

Maurice Greene (4th place in men's 100m dash, 10.32)

My blocks didn't stick, and there was too much to make up in the race. I just wanted to finish the race healthy. I'm very confident and prepared for Nationals.

Jason Smoots (3rd place in men's 100m dash, 10.32)

I didn't get out of the blocks very well. When I looked up, there was too much ground to make up.

Jeremy Wariner (men's 400m dash, 44.53)

Throughout the race, I tried to focus on what me & my coach have talked about, and just stick to the game plan. I'm just looking forward to improving throughout the rest of the year.

We work in this weather in Texas. The weather was perfect for me.

Terrence Trammell (Men's 110m hurdles, 13.11, 2.2 m/sec wind, not wind legal)

On today's race: I felt good. My block slipped on me. I just had to keep my composure. I felt good, I'm happy.

On the USATF Trials. I feel good, I'm healthy, and I'm excited for the race.

Kenta Bell (Men's Triple Jump, 56-01.00"/17.09m, NWI)

On today's win: A win is a win, whether it's a big meet or a little meet. I came out today and competed, and I'm pleased with the results.

On the Home Depot Center: It was great to be able to test the surface before Nationals, and see what the crowd was like. This track is fast, and the atmosphere is great. I'm going to come back next month and try to get it done.

Erin Aldrich (Women's High Jump, 6-03.50"/1.92m)

On the jump-off: I didn't expect a jump-off. In all the years I've competed, I never knew this rule, so I had to re-focus and go at it again. I'm happy with the win, but my main goal was to come jump 1.95 meters (the World Championships qualifying mark), but it didn't happen.

On the Home Depot Center: I'm glad we were able to come out and test the track, and feel the atmosphere, because it's great. So next month we'll come back, and try to get a win.