Athlete Quotes - Men's 5,000m

Matt Tegenkamp – Winner Men’s 5000M
 
On his race:
“In a championship race you have to respond to what happens. Sometimes that means sitting back and waiting to make your move.”
 
On his strategy:
“I made sure that I was on the outside of lane one at the end so I wouldn’t get boxed in like at did at the Pre.”
 
On how he feels this season:
“I was not on my game last season. I feel like I’m much more confident and much more fit right now. I’m just going to keep plugging away now.”
 
On the fast final lap:
“It came down to needing to close in 53 seconds to win. If I needed to close faster than 53 than I would have done it.
 
German Fernandez – Fifth Place Men’s 5000M
 
On his race:
“My goal coming into the race was to go after the junior record. If it was too windy then I was going to wait for the last mile but we went out really fast, like 63 seconds in the first lap. But I listened to my coaches and stayed with the plan to ease back to 65 seconds. At the end I lost track of how many laps I had left but I just stayed focus on keeping my pace. It was a great atmosphere out there and I’m very happy right now.”
 
On claiming the American Junior 5000M record:
“It was incredible. I’m so amazed right now. I’m kind of speechless.”