Athlete Quotes - Payton Jordan U.S. Open

Held: May 29-30, 2005 at Cobb Track and Angell Field, Palo Alto, CA

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Kenta Bell, winner, Men's Triple Jump

It was a good day, a great day to jump, I just had a problem with the board. I put drama in stuff that doesn't need drama. I guess it's good for the crowd.

Some days you're up, some days you're down, but you have to jump.

Jarred Rome, winner, Men's Discus Throw

I'm notorious for that (winning on the last throw). This is good for me, but not my competition.

My technique was not good, but I did come back and win and that's the important thing.

This shows that I am a good competitor.

Tracy O'Hara, winner, Women's Pole Vault

Conditions were not that great. We had a cross wind which is not that fun, and sometimes a tail wind. It wasn't that great, and that's hard to say because I jumped so well.

This is definitely huge for me. I have more in me, I don't want to set limits. I think I can jump 16-6.

Grace Upshaw, winner, Women's Long Jump

It took me a while to et going. Once I got going, I was working on my run up. I'm trying to be a little quicker in my last three steps. It's a matter of me trusting and following through. I felt pretty good. I definitely didn't feel as fast as I have in practice. Once I complete my 12-week training cycle, I should be where I want to be. My goal this year is to have a good strength base going into the trials and Europe afterwards.

Jacob Pauli, winner, Men's Pole Vault

It was tough out there with the wind going every way. I was lucky to get some good wind.

On beating Tim Mack and Toby Stevenson: Those guys are still awesome. You have to give it to them. They have both jumped 19-2 this year. They are in it for the long run.

Michelle Perry, winner, Women's Nike 100m Hurdles

I got out so late, I'm happy with the win. The strong part of my race is the last five hurdles. Not going to do a heptathlon until the nationals. This year there's a good balance between the two.

I like the hurdles better than the heptathlon.

Dominique Arnold, winner, Men's 110m Hurdles

I was so nervous going into the race, that's the reason for my start. I tried putting more pressure on myself and I've still got stuff to work on. I'm slightly disappointed in my race. At least I won and that's the important thing.

Frances Santin, winner, Women's 800m

I felt good, I felt ready. I told the coach that today would be a good day. Her winning time was her third fastest time. I felt like my third 200 meters, I pushed it.

Brian Johnson, winner, Men's Long Jump

I actually felt "on" today. My coach (Johnny Thomas) has been working with me on the runway. We're letting the jump take care of itself.

Being here is quite an achievement. I'm happy to be back (after his knee injury). I knew I'd be back, I just didn't know how long it'd take me.

John Godina, winner, Men's Visa Shot Put

My technique was good for me. I am a little disappointed. I wanted to get another PR. I'll see about getting another one in New York.

David Krummenacker, winner, Men's Visa 800m

I felt good, I felt very happy. The training is going well, but you don't know how good it's going until you have a race like this.

Muna Lee, winner, Women's Visa 100m

The race was all right. My start was shaky. But my finish was good. I was able to come up, run and accelerate.

John Capel, winner, Men's Nike 100m

On running both the 100 and 200 meters at the Outdoor Championships: I've got to make sure my fitness level is ready for eight races. I know I've got one good race in me. I'd pick the 200 meters, it's my wife's (Sandy) favorite race. If my health keeps progressing, I'd like to do both but my coach will have to decide that.

It's extremely important to me (to do both). It'd be the best thing ever to double like Mo and Marion did. That'd be awesome, doubling at World's.

I'm a sprinter, I like the shortest distance possible.

Seilala Sua, winner, women's discus (60.83, 199-7)

I'm happy because I got a season best. I haven't been throwing near of what I am capable of. I'm now building toward the 200-foot mark. I'm capable of doing that in my sleep. My training is getting better now. I'm working toward US Nationals.

Erin Gilreath, winner, women's hammer (70.13, 230-1)

My training is going well. I was hoping for a PR (72.12, 236-7). But a win is a win. I'm glad I had another meet clearing 70 meters. I'm building toward the important meets. I have two more important meets before the U.S. Nationals.

On the mild weather conditions: This is not like Florida. (She competed in the U.S. Outdoor Championships at Stanford in 2003). I forgot how cool it got. I saw the temperatures in San Francisco were 50 and said "No!"

Jorge Torres, third in the 5,000 in 13:20.57, a personal best and World Championship "A" Standard

Palo Alto is the place to come out and get PR's. It was no different tonight. I've setting PR's here since I was in college. The fans were amazing. The support was awesome. I'm happy I got the "A" standard.

Lauren Fleshman, winner of 5,000 in 15:15.63.

These were perfect conditions. We had a great crowd and they were very supportive of all of us. This is the fastest that I have run by myself. The time is a "B" standard. I guess I will have to get the "A" standard at Carson.