adidas Track Classic Athlete Quotes - live

2009 adidas Track Classic

ATHLETE QUOTES

Ian Waltz, men's discus winner

I'm just happy to be healthy. Last year at the (Olympic) Trials I tore my adductor muscle in my stomach. I'm finally throwing pain free.

I feel like I'm a month or two behind where I need to be but that's okay because World's are in August.

No matter which meet it is, it's about winning no matter what the distance.

Hazel Clark, women's 800m winner

I wasn't really happy with the beginning. I kept my composure and held on at the end. I think my coach will be happy.

Every week I want to get faster and stronger and get ready for nationals.

It wasn't really a smart race or a clean race.

I stopped setting goals for Worlds and the Olympics. I found it was just so much pressure.

Kerron Clement - men's 400m hurdles winner

I'm really happy to come out and compete against the top guys like Angelo (Taylor) and James Carter. I just stayed focused on myself and came up with the win.

I knew something was wrong after the 7th hurdle. I just took it regardless. I was a 110 hurdler so I know how to adjust. I just didn't let it affect me at all.

Natasha Hastings - women's 400m winner

I'm used to running out hard. I got out pretty good.

Once I came off the final turn. I gave it all I had.

It makes me feel good that I can run well with one shoe and then run well with both shoes on this week.

Dawn Harper - women's 100m hurdle winner

We restarted it seemed like 3 times, so I had to get refocused. My start was okay. I thought I was flat a couple in the middle. I knew I had to leave it all on the line at the end with Perdita (Felicien) and that's what I did.

The time may not show it, but I'm ready for strong competition.

Terrence Trammell - men's 110m hurdles winner

I'm happy with the win. I feel good. I'm looking to do some big things. Things are working out really well.

Carmelita Jeter - women's 100m winner

The race was a little scary with so many false starts and someone getting kicked out of the race. My coach and I have been working on coming back and keeping my composure. I'm usually the one that lays back in the blocks. This time I didn't do that.

Dwight Phillips - men's long jump winner

I'm satisfied with the win today. I wanted to do a lot better. I already have the world leading jump but it was a little windy out here. I am coming out to redeem myself and win the World Championships.

Darvis Patton - men's 100m winner

I was happy to come out and win against this great competition. Beating the Olympic silver medalist is always good, but the whole field was strong. Coming out with a victory is always good. It's a good indicator and a confidence booster.

Bernard Lagat - men's 1,500m winner

I am really pleased with winning.

I was feeling good all the way. Even at the bell I wanted to go. So I had to wait, wait, wait. So I went at about 150 and it worked out.

LaShawn Merritt - men's 200m winner

Before the race my calf was cramping a little bit. I didn't get out as hard because of it. It was a little sluggish. I was just going to build into it. I came off the curve and had the strength to hold.

I've been doing some speed work during the winter. I just wanted to test it out. It felt good.

Allyson Felix - women's 200m winner

I'm just pleased to get out there and have a good performance. I had hoped it would be a little faster than it was. I always try to run home strong.

It's really special to run here. This is the only time many of my family members will get to see me run.

Jenn Stuczinski - women's pole vault winner

I'm a little disappointed. I should have had 4.93m with the pole I was on. It's early. I love coming to LA and competing at the adidas meet. I'm looking for a little more consistency. I feel stronger. I'm definitely a lot stronger.

Jeremy Wariner - men's 400m winner

I executed better than I should have. Right now I'm just focusing on every part of the race. I recently got back with my old coach (Clyde Hart). Coach Ford is a wonderful coach. Experience made the difference. I went back with Coach Hart.

Anna Willard - women's steeplechase world

It was good today. I was kind of going for a PR. I'm a little disappointed. I respond to competition a lot more than running out there by myself. I need someone breathing down my neck.

I did well today, it's a good opener.