Athlete Quotes - Men's 800m Quarterfinal

Lopez Lomong, Heat 1 (first)

"I think I did well today, but I never expected anything big. I tried to come out and put my nose in there and it felt good."

Nicholas Symmonds, Heat 2 (first)

"I felt really comfortable all the way around. Tomorrow I just need to come back and do the same thing. The people here know who I am and that really pumps me up. I am definitely going to need that on Monday."

Matt Scherer, Heat 2 (fourth)

"The race went out really slow like I thought it would, but I pressed when I needed and hung on for the fourth spot. If I could press tomorrow like that, I would be really happy."

"It was great to see so many people out here for prelims. I heard a lot of people going out of there way to yell my name when they didn't have to."

Andrew Wheating, Heat 3 (first)

"It felt great. I just went out for another run."

"It was a little tight, but you have to do what you have to do."

"I always like to be near the outside, because I have such a long stride and back kick."

"I thought that Symmonds was the favorite, but when the crowd erupted for me I was feeling great."

"I feel honored to represent Tracktown, USA. And we have a lot of other athletes who do that as well."

"As for tomorrow, I just have to close well. The last 50 meters are always so key. And that's a big part of my strategy."

Jacob Hernandez, Heat 3

"I felt refreshed. I haven't ran in two weeks. It felt good to stretch out the legs."

"With 350 to go I thought I should take the lead and control the race my way. I just like to give myself a chance."

"I need to give myself a chance to get a good position and be in a striking position."