Day 5 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Championships

Bernard Lagat (Tuscon, Ariz.), Men’s 1,500 meters bronze medalist

That was the hardest box ever. This is a box that was happening a little too close to the finish. Normally, when it happens, with 300 meters to go, you can make your way out of it. This one happened at the wrong place, with 150 meters to go. I couldn’t do anything.

Lopez Lomong (Colorado Springs, Colo.), 8th in Men’s 1,500 meters

It’s good, it’s hard and it’s nice. This was a good experience for me. It was fun here, running with the best of the best in the world. It was fantastic. I was right up there. I was caught up in a little situation. I got boxed in a little bit. I’m not going to beat myself up just because I lost today. I’m going to use this for my confidence and get ready to go. I hope for next time it will be a little bit different. I had a great time here in Berlin. I talked to Bernard. I congratulated him. He ran a fantastic race. He was able to bring home a bronze medal.

Leonel Manzano (Austin, Texas), 12th in Men’s 1,500 meters

These guys are the best in the world. I was glad to be in the mix. It was a great race for everybody. You work very hard. You can’t make any mistakes when you are competing at this level. The big goal was to make the world championship team. The next goal was to advance to the finals. Once in the finals, I was going to give it a good go. I tried to give a good go. I gave it my best. The first couple of laps, I tried to get in there. I gave it a good shot. It didn’t happen. I don’t think I’m disappointed. Finishing 12th in the world isn’t that bad. It was a great season and the season is still going on.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles, California), 6th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

The race was very messy. I felt good, especially over the first four hurdles, and then I was trying to press so hard that I was clipping hurdles. I clipped one real bad and that threw me off.

It’s sad that two of America’s top hurdlers couldn’t medal, and especially under Bob Kersee. It’s the first time in a long time that he didn’t get a medal in a major meet.

Anyone on that starting line could have won that race. (One of the girls) was saying that if you make one little mechanical mistake, no matter how fit or strong you are, it’s over.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, California), 7th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

I had a real good start. I hit hurdle 2, and there’s not really much you can do when you hit it. I hit it real hard and I almost fell. It’s hard to regroup when you’re chasing 12.51.

I feel like I let my coach down (Bob Kersee). Ginnie and I were both ready to go. We just didn’t execute our race.

You cannot count out anyone in that race. Everyone there was ready to go.

Casey Malone (Ft. Collins, Colorado), 5th in Men’s discus

This German crowd was really incredible. They were cheering for everybody, and especially for Robert (Harting) the loudest. These folks really know their discus out here.

I felt like my throws got better and better as the competition went on. It’s funny that I kept throwing better and better but I could never throw out of that fifth spot. Technically speaking, my throws got more relaxed towards the end. I wished I had more throws. Maybe I could have gotten fourth, but I wished I could’ve gotten that one big throw.

Ashton Eaton (Eugene, Oregon), Men’s decathlon

Coming into this meet, I knew that Trey (Hardee) and I were the fastest, so I wanted to set the tone early.

I felt good going into the long jump, and was excited about that PR. The shot was tough to manage. It’s going to be a while before I am competitive in that, so I have to manage it. The high jump is something I’m a bit inconsistent with.

The key to the decathlon is consistency. I just have to do my normal stuff.

Trey Hardee (Austin, Texas), Men’s decathlon

I came out like a cannon in the first three events, Point wise, I have to be happy with where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to getting some rest.

I’m looking forward to an exciting second day. These guys are excellent competitors.

Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

I was hoping that would be a sub-20 race. I have to change my race strategy. That strategy right there is for the birds. Trying to run hard from the blocks to the turn is not for me. I think the final is going to be fast. My goal is to run 19.51. I would be very happy with that.

Wallace Spearmon (College Station, Texas), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

It was pretty good. I’ve been trying to go out there and run a little bit harder in each round. But at the same time, I know Usain Bolt is an animal, and I am going to have the best race of my life to beat in the finals. I look forward to my chances and I look forward to tomorrow. I’m going to look for a PR tomorrow and try to get on that medal stand.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Va.), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

My goal was to go out there, run hard and make it to the finals. It’s an honor to be here to represent the USA. I take pride in that.

Allyson, Felix (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt good. I wanted to come out and focus on the start and control the race from there. I want a personal best. I’d love to defend my title here in this stadium. That would definitely be special.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I ran more in control. I got some sleep. I’m just taking a day at a time. I want to be in control of my race. I don’t want to mess up.

Marshevet Hooker (Pflugerville, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt really good. I worked really hard. I didn’t know if I was going to see anybody. (Running in Lane It was the first time I have ever run in Lane 8. My main goal was not to see anybody. Now I know I can do it. It’s one more thing to add to the resume.

Charonda Williams (Richmond, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I have been waiting for this. Now it’s finally here. I just have to run the rounds. My race went pretty well. I was racing just to make it to the next round, which I have accomplished. I ran relaxed and good. I like my start. I was very aggressive there.

Jarred Rome (Chula Vista, Calif.), Men’s Discus

I felt great yesterday. My legs felt great. My technique felt good. Everything felt good. Then today, nothing felt good. I couldn’t even hit one throw. I had high expectations and I don’t even know what happened.

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), Women’s 100 hurdles, semifinals

If I’m supposed to be in the final, I will be there. If not, I gave it my best effort.

Lionel Larry (Compton, California), Men’s 400 meters

It was a lot better than the last time I came to the world championships, when I didn’t finish. I can walk away with some dignity in my head so I can’t be too mad.

LaShawn Merritt (Suffolk, Virginia), Men’s 400 meters

I set it up real good. I had a great race. I wanted to come out today and set the bar. I wanted to set the tone today.

I moved a little bit harder than I did yesterday, and that’s what makes my times drop. I’m the type of person that thrives off adrenaline, considering the crowd is great and the track is great.

I didn’t run as hard as I could have, as I wanted to save a little bit for the final on Friday. People are ready to come and run hard–this is the biggest competition of this year.

I’m expecting a win–it’s not really a time. What it takes to win is what I’m gonna run.

Jeremy Wariner (Waco, Texas), Men’s 400 meters

It was real good.

**Beginning tomorrow, quotes will be posted LIVE to www.usatf.org in the evening sessions, updating periodically throughout the competition.

Day 5 Morning Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Champs

Jen Rhines (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.), Women’s 5,000 meters

I felt really good out there. I’m pleased to get this run through. Now it’s time to get ready for Saturday. I looked at the clock before the heat and I made the decision. I could have finished a hair stronger if I really dug down. But I thought I should save some of it for Saturday. I knew if came in the top eight or nine and finished under 15:32, I would go.

Julie Culley (Arlington, Va.), Women’s 5,000 meters

It was a little bit slow, through about the 3K. It was probably close to 9:15, 9:20 even. In the last 3K, I was starting to have some trouble. I have been struggling with an injury (hamstring and glute). When they started to pick it up and I had to start to open up my stride, that’s when it started to hurt. I was doing the best I could.

Stephanie Brown Trafton (Galt, Calif.), Women’s Discus

I’m not a morning person. I feel positive. The conditions were pretty good. The fans were loud and supportive. They were rooting for everyone.

(On winning the Olympic gold before the US or World gold) It may be an awkward way. But I have never been known to do things the normal way. I always find a different way to accomplish my goal. At some point, I will accomplish all of my goals.

I was more nervous than I thought I would be. I feel like I have something to prove. I love being the underdog. I’d love it if I were to scrape by and make it to the finals with the last spot. That will motivate me even more. By scraping by is creating drama for me. I love drama.

Aretha Hill Thurmond (Opelika, Alabama), Women’s discus

I think I just gave my high school coach some grey hairs today. It’s been my M.O. unfortunately my whole career. I’m the type of competitor that takes a while to get into a groove. It’s like sprinters in a qualifying round, where everyone’s so tight and trying to get a feel for what’s about to happen.

The point was to get out there and make it through to the finals. We’ve got two Americans in the finals and now we can go see if we can put two on the podium.

Becky Breisch (Chula Vista, Calif.), Women’s Discus

It didn’t go so great today. If I knew why, I’d fix it out there. It was just not my day. This experience was great. Berlin is a wonderful place to be. They have done a great job doing everything for us.

Terrence Trammell (Atlanta), Men’s 110 high hurdles

I felt good. I think that I was able to knock the dust off. It’s been two months since I competed. I’m healthy, I feel in great shape. It felt good to get the first round out of the way. I had a few cobwebs. I wanted to come out and get a feel for things. Tomorrow, I will turn it up a notch. There are no injuries. I just wanted to work on a few things and focus on the rest of the last half of the season.

David Payne (Covington, Ky.), Men’s 110 high hurdles

The race was horrible. I got a decent start, but I didn’t attack right away. I hit a couple of hurdles and stayed in that state. I didn’t push or come on. I started to get comfortable with my feet. As I starting hitting all the hurdles, I felt the guys to the right of me pass me. There wasn’t that urgency there. It wasn’t a good race. But I made it to the next round, and that’s all that matter.

Tora Harris (Chula Vista, California), Men’s high jump

It was hard. I wasn’t feeling great coming in. The approach just wasn’t working. I think I gave it a good effort.

Keith Moffatt (Newport News, Virginia), Men’s high jump

First, I didn’t know I made it to the finals. I was clean all the way up to 2.30. I felt real good.

I think that in the finals, I’ll start at a higher height, because when I got to 2.30, I was a little tired. No matter what happens in the finals, I’m gonna go hard! I’m glad I made it!

Andra Manson (Austin, Texas), Men’s high jump

It’s a great feeling to make the finals!

There were a couple of good jumps today, but there were also some bad ones. Fortunately, I was able to correct myself at 2.30, and fortunately, that’s what it’s all about–I had to clear 2.30 to make the finals. That’s going to give me a lot of confidence going to the finals.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships.

Day 4 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Sanya Richards (Austin, Texas), Women’s 400 meters gold medalist

First, it feels so great to finally hear that I am a world champion. It’s an overwhelming experience. I really enjoy to competing here in Berlin. I have only good memories. And now I can say my first title was on the blue track in a world leading time. So, I’m really, really happy.

(Expectations or extra pressure?) I did in the past, that’s what I wanted to shed this year. This year, I was having a really good time. The rounds went exactly as I hoped. Today, I came out and had fun. I was really confident in my race and my race strategy. I enjoyed every step around the track today. I’m just really thrilled to be a world champion. I can’t say I’m glad to have waited this long. I would have loved to win in the Olympics and prior World Championships. I definitely think you to learn things to grow. I’ve been through a lot and I learned a lot. I feel like I’m a much better athlete because of it.

I’m happy it came in 2009 and hopefully this will be the start of a lot more titles to come. I did go out well in the Olympics. I don’t think the first 200 was the reason I lost the Olympic final. Today, my today split was 23.0, almost the same pace as the Olympics. It’s just control.

I’m in much better shape this season. Shericka (Williams) and Antonina (Krivoshapka) went out really fast. I think all of us went 23.0 flat. It was a really fast race. That’s what you expect at a major championship. Everyone is running their best race. I was really comfortable with my strategy. I felt really strong. I worked the curve as best as I could. Once I pulled up on Shericka and made my move, I just hoped I could hold her off.

Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), 6th in Women’s 400 meters

(On starting in Lane 1): It’s not fun for the 400. But a lot of people would kill to have Lane 1 today. I did and I was very happy to have the chance to run the final. I thought it was a good race. I feel like I should have made a lot more impact. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I wish I had a better lane. I think I would have made an impact. I have to settle for what I did today. I’m very honored and proud to represent the U.S. Next year is going to get even better. I’m looking forward to the years to come. I’m happy for Sanya. We are going to go for the gold in the 4 x 400.

Bershawn Jackson (Champaign, Illinois), Men’s 400 hurdles bronze medalist

I executed a real good race. Those guys went out so hard. I give them the praises–they were the better men.

I wasn’t surprised that it went out as fast as it did.

I’m a warrior and I’m a fighter, and I’ll be back.

Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Florida), Men’s 400 hurdles gold medalist

My plan all along was to defend my title, and there was no way anyone was going to take that away from me. My race plan was to go out fast. I knew that once I went out hard, that no one was going to keep up with me for the last 150, and once I got over the last hurdle, it was mine.

Rachel Yurkovich (Eugene, Oregon), Women’s javelin

I felt pretty good in warmups. I just wasn’t throwing well

It’s kind of hard to get into a groove when the competition’s stopped for a ceremony or races, but that’s no excuse. I tried to go into it with a positive attitude, and on my last throw I had nothing to lose. I tried to be happy and go out there and (do it).

I was just thrilled to have made it this far. I’m happy to be here.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was a good race. It went nice and smooth, exactly how my coach wanted me to do it. It was nice and smooth over the top of the hurdles. I’m exacted about that. It gives me confidence going into tomorrow. (On being assigned lane 1) I appreciated that because Lane 1, Heat 1, No. 1. Can anybody see that?

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was a good opener. I wanted to work on a little part of my race. I did. It wasn’t great, but it can get better for tomorrow. The false starts were a bit nerve-wracking. But I told myself to stay focused and concentrate on my lane.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was clean. I hit one hurdle. But it was a good race. I was looking to actually work on my trail leg. I hit a hurdle with it, probably because I slowed up a bit. You can’t do that in the hurdles. But it’s the first round and that’s why I slowed up.

Michelle Perry (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

I’m injured. I have a torn LCL. I have to have surgery on it. It happened in Monaco.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Men’s 200 meters

I thought I was pushing for a third place finish, so I’ll have to wait and see if I make the semi-finals. It’s been a great season so far, so I can’t complain.

Wallace Spearmon, Jr. (College Station, Texas), Men’s 200 meters

The race seemed pretty easy tonight. I didn’t want to expend any more energy than I had to, because I know that in the finals, I’m going to need all of it.

As long as I was in the top two, that’s all that matters, so that I can get one of the preferred lanes.

I did take a peek at the big screen to see where I was at and to make sure no one would sneak up on me. I didn’t want to see anyone come up and pass me.

(on what it’s going to take to beat Usain Bolt)–Run faster! He’s running like he’s from Mars or wherever Flash is from.

Sheena Tosta (San Diego, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I don’t know what happened. I did what I wanted to do over the first 8 hurdles I tried to go, but I couldn’t go.

Tiffany Williams (Orlando, Florida), Women’s 400 hurdles

Technically, it was a great race. It was much better than my first round. I was thinking about staying relaxed, but I probably got a little too relaxed. But, I did make the final, and that’s all that counts. I’m excited, and very grateful to be in this final. I have a day to rest, and I just have to get that second half of the race down.

I have to attack the critical zone a lot harder. It’s going to take 53-low or 52-high to get a medal.

Lashinda Demus (Palmdale, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I wanted to run good through the 300m mark, and I did that tonight. I just practiced on my race for the finals. I’m gonna put it together and have a good race.

I’m the underdog–I’m not the Olympic champion

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

Day 4 morning quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles), Men’s 200

I did what I was supposed to do. I came out in the preliminary and qualified for the next round. I tried to get as many cobwebs out as I could.

Wallace Spearmon (College Station, Texas), Men’s 200

I ran easily for the first round, and tried to save as much as possible for the next round.

Casey Malone (Ft. Collins, Colo.), Men’s Discus

It’s great to be one and done! The throw felt technically sound, so I’m happy with it!

I couldn’t ask for a better performance in the morning then getting it done quickly. There are 15 competitors in that preliminary. If you don’t do it for your first throw, you are sitting around for 15 minutes before you get another. It’s the same thing if you don’t get it on that one. You really want to get it done early so you are not out there for 45 minutes, mostly on your feet.

(On the throw) That was the type of throw I was looking to get our here. I really want that type of performance regardless of whether it was a qualifier for not. That is the farthest throw I have ever had at a championship event. I’d like to build off that going into the finals. I’m not complacent to end it there. I’m pretty much happy with practice and how everything is going for the finals. I wanted to get it done early, get out of here and go rest.

Jarred Rome( Chula Vista, Calif.), Men’s discus

This is the best I have ever felt for a major championship. In 2005, I got seventh. I was a few centimeters away from medaling. This year, I started the year slow. I was feeling OK in nationals. I made the team. I’ve been over here for two months, since nationals, just training. My warm-ups were good, all over the qualifier. My first one, I think, I got the nerves a little bit. The second one, I hit really hard, 65.50. I’m ready to medal.

Lionel Larry (Compton, Calif.), Men’s 400 meters

I thought I could have gone a little bit better. It was kind of windy. If I had gone a little bit faster, I won’t have to play the waiting game. I still have to figure out what I am going to do for the next day. I have to wait and see. The wind was in my face for 300 meters.

Gil Roberts (Oklahoma City), Men’s 400 meters

I just had a bad race. I just didn’t have it today. It was windy. But I am not making any excuses. I lost because I lost. It was just not my time.

LaShawn Merritt (Suffolk, Va.), Men’s 400 meters

It was a good race. 45.2 I got out good. I ran pretty comfortable. I did what I had to do and that’s get ready for tomorrow. If there was a wind, there was a wind for everyone. Everybody felt the wind. But I didn’t feel it that much. I ran a comfortable race and finished up like I wanted to. Clocked in this morning, went to work and now I am going to clock out and get ready for tomorrow.

Shannon Rowbury (San Francisco), Women’s 1,500 meters

I was running. It was pretty packed up. I got tripped up by the same girl. I fell down at 200, got up, got back to the pack and the same girl cut me off again. It was a little bit frustrating. After falling, I tried to be smart catching up again, but I was a little timid by the time I got going again. I’m pretty disappointed. But that’s how it goes sometimes.

I’m hoping we will protest. I’m hoping to get another shot at it. That is definitely not what I am capable of. That’s how it goes when it’s a semi or a quarterfinal. You usually go slow and it’s usually packed up. I tried to stay on my feet. But unfortunately today, I was unable to. I was on the outside of lane 1, where everyone wants to be. It was kind of a messy race, with a lot of people moving around in there. I hope I get a chance at going again. I hope I have a chance of making the finals.

Anna Willard (Mammonth Lakes, Calif.), Women’s 1,500 meters

It was a physical race. There was a lot of shoving. But that’s fine. I expected that. You expect the physicality, especially in the first round. Everyone is super antsy, with all the waiting. It’s already been a couple of days of the championship and everyone is excited to go. When you are running slower than your PR pace, everyone wants the perfect position, so that’s going to happen.

Christin Wurth-Thomas (Springdale, Arkansas), Women’s 1500 meters

In the beginning, there was some jostling going on. I don’t like to feel that there are people on top of me, so I was telling myself, “‘This is butt-slow! We go faster than this at USAs, so let’s just go!’”

I felt comfortable during the race, and over the last 50 meters, I looked up at the monitor knowing where I was at, and basically shut it down. I was hoping that the pace would be faster, but hey, it’s the prelims, so you gotta go with it.

Amy Acuff (Isleton, Calif.), Women’s high jump

I’m really excited. I don’t take making the finals for granted. Everyone is a treasure. I’m really happy to be there, especially in Berlin. I felt like I got up at 6 a.m. I felt like it was early in the morning. I drank my little green tea, but it didn’t really kick me up. I think I will feel better in the final. I want to go back (to the hotel), take a nap and get rested and try to have a more fluid run. I’m just going to let myself go and not micromanage everything.

Chaunte Howard (Snellville, Ga.), Women’s high jump

(On getting excited after clearing at 1.89) I did get excited. I didn’t particularly feel great today. I’m usually a morning person. But this morning I felt kind of flat. To go ahead and clear 1.89 then clear 1.92 and 1.95 on first appearances let me know that it’s going to be a good result. (Clearing 1.95) That was a sigh of relief. I was up praying all night because I couldn’t sleep. I felt like everything was going to work out today.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.
For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

Day 2 Evening Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

For Immediate Release
Sunday, August 16, 2009

Tyson Gay (Clermont, Fla.), men’s 100m silver medalist AMERICAN RECORD

It felt pretty good. I’m really happy Usain Bolt broke the record. I know that may sound strange. I knew it was humanly possible for someone to run that fast. Unfortunately it wasn’t me. I’m very happy with the race. I did my best the best way I could. I’ve been you all this year that it’s possible to run this fast. I did my best. I still know I have a lot more left in the tank. My groin is barely hanging on. In the final I just tried to block everything down and give it my all because there wasn’t that much left. (On the 200) I’m going to talk to doctors and everything. It’s at a pain right now and we’ll see how it goes tonight.

Darvis Patton (Grand Prairie, Texas), Men’s 100 Meters 8th place finisher

I just cramped up and I cramped up real bad. I couldn’t get into with these guys. It’s the second time I have been in the fastest race in history. That’s all I have to live on now. Cramping up is part of the sport. It’s unfortunate that it had to happen in the finals of the World Championships. Hats off to these guys. Everybody ran well. Everybody is a great competitor.

Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas), Women’s Shot Put sixth place finisher

I think I did pretty good today. I’m happy with what I did. I think it went well. I’m learning more. What I learned in Beijing I brought with me here. I have to keep on building and get better.

Bettie Wade (Ann Arbor, Michigan), Women’s heptathlon

I had to pick myself up, and did a lot of thinking over the last 24 hours.

I enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to compete here. It was hard to compete today. My season is officially done. My body’s slowly tearing down, so I’m going to nurse some small injuries I’ve accumulated, and take some time off to let my body heal.

Diana Pickler (Sacshe, Texas), Women’s heptathlon

I came in so prepared. I went in here faster and stronger than I’ve ever been, and I felt mentally prepared. It just didn’t start out this way.

The first day was a struggle, and it was so frustrating, because I knew that I did everything to prepare right for this meet. It was hard to go out there and be disappointed with the way things went yesterday. I was nowhere close to where I should have been.

Today, I just tried to block everything out. I was really happy with setting a PR in the 800 after what I went through the competition. Setting a PR in the 800 is going to make me mentally stronger.

Sharon Day (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Women’s Heptathlon

I’m very happy about my performance. It’s my first major competition at the international scale. I couldn’t be happier with 10th place in the world right now. (On the fast start in the competition) That’s the way it goes with the heptathlon. You are going to have some bumps and some ups and downs. You have to take it in stride. It was a really good experience to compete at a world level. I’m going to put this in my pocket and keep training.

Lauryn Williams (Miami, Fla.), Women’s 100 meters

I think I had a great race. It was a season best. Everything seems to be coming together. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I’m really excited that things are turning around for me. There are some really fast times. There are many sub-11s. My competitors have done it many times. I think there have been eight people that have been under 11 seconds. I haven’t gotten there yet. But 11.06 is going in the right direction. I am going to give it my best tomorrow and hopefully get on the podium.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 100 meters

I am working on the beginning part, like I said. I wish I could go a round without a false start. It will be a hot semifinal, probably the best field I have seen in a while.

Carmelita Jeter (Inglewood, Calif.), Women’s 100 meters

It was a good race. I got out of the blocks real well. I am going to go back to the hotel, get some rest and come back tomorrow. Tomorrow is when it really counts. I’m satisfied with crossing the finish line healthy. That’s the only thing that really matters.

Rae Edwards (Kansas City, Kansas), Men’s 100 meters, semifinals

I gave up too much at the start. It’s as simple as that. As I re-watched it, I gave up too much at the start. Then I let the whole field get away from me. I’m not down about because obviously that was my purpose to be here. God has a plan for everyone. That was his plan. I’m not down about it. I had fun. In all reality, I’m not disappointed at all because I know I wasn’t even expected to get this far. Just to make it this far shows how beautiful God is. I’m disappointed at all. I would love to be in the finals. But I’m not.

Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), Women’s 400 meters

(Set a personal best in getting one of the two at large spots to the finals.) I needed that. I’m so happy, so happy to run again. I’m so happy to come out here, representing the United States for the world championship. To get a PR and make it to the finals, that was the goal. Now, the next step is on Tuesday. We’ll see what happens there.

(On waiting for the last heat to be completed to see if she qualified for the finals) I was nervous because with one heat to go, you never know when someone may drop a 49.04, and I could end up not being in there. I was kind of happy, but I had to see the last race. But after the last race, I went, “Yes.” I’m happy with the time and making it to the finals. I felt like I was on the bubble when I didn’t make top two.

Walter Davis (Baton Rouge, La.), men’s triple jump

It didn’t go to well. I had a little bit of runway trouble in the first jump. The second one, I started getting it together. The third one was going good. I just broke down going into my step. I wasn’t able to get out of it. We’ll shut down the season, then get ready for USA Indoors.

Brandon Roulhac (Tallahassee, Fla.), men’s triple jump

I felt good. I just struggled with my runway a bit. I’m now going to get ready for indoors. I plan to do a couple of more meets. It was a great experience. Now I know what to expect the next time.

Kenta Bell (Decatur, Ga.), men’s triple jump

I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. But it has been a long, rough season. I’m thankful to be here at this point. I had some injuries at the USAs. But to be on the team and be here is a blessing.

Jessica Beard (College Station, Texas), Women’s 400 meters

It was a decent race, but it wasn’t my best. I just went out and did the best that I could do, and I just have to be happy with what I gave tonight.

I’m looking forward to the relay and keeping my mind focused on the task at hand. Hopefully I can contribute to that.

Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Florida), Men’s 400 meter hurdles

My plan was to stay focused and take care of business, and run a strong last 150. I was really pleased that I did that, and got my 13 strides down. I’m feeling really confident going into the finals.

Bershawn Jackson (Champaign, Illinois), Men’s 400 meter hurdles

My goal was to come home with a strong kick, because that’s what it’s gonna take to win a gold medal here. So many guys are running fast and this event’s so competitive. With so many guys who are bigger and taller than me, I’ve got to make up for it in the second half.

Overall, I feel good, and I did what I needed to do.

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

Women forge ahead in Berlin

For Immediate Release
Sunday, August 16, 2009

BERLIN - Team USA’s women led the charge in the morning session as all 100m and 800m women advanced to the next round, and Michelle Carter and Rachel Yurkovich qualified for their respective finals Sunday morning at the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

All women advance in 100m and 800m

All three American women easily advanced to the next round of the women’s 100m. 2007 World Outdoor bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter (Los Angeles) won heat 3 in 11.22 after looking around and visibly easing up at the 80m mark. It was the fastest time of the first round.

2005 world champion and ‘07 silver medalist Lauryn Williams (Miami, Fla.) won heat 7 in 11.36 and two-time Olympian Muna Lee (College Station, Texas) was second in heat 9 in 11.42.

They take the top three plus the next six fastest to the semifinal of the women’s 800m. In heat 1 of the first round, Geena Gall (Ann Arbor, Mich.) was sitting in fourth/fifth and it appeared she would not move on. With 120m to go, reigning world champion Janeth Jepkosgei (KEN) stumbled and fell to the ground vaulting Gall into second place in 2:02.63 and moving her into the semifinal.

Heat 3 saw four-time Olympian Hazel Clark (Knoxville, Tenn.) leading for the first 300m, but in fourth place at the halfway point. Clark fought her way back to finish third in 2:02.67 and grab a spot in the next round. Maggie Vessey (Soquel, Calif.) easily moved on to the next round, finishing as the runner-up in heat 5 in 2:04.07.

Carter to compete in tonight’s shot final

2008 Olympic finalist Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas) qualified for the final in the women’s shot put on her last throw with an effort of 18.44 meters/60 feet 6 inches. 2008 Olympian Jillian Camarena (Tuscon, Ariz.) finished 23rd in qualifying with a best effort of 16.92m/55-6.25 and, after two fouls, three-time USA Outdoor champion Kristin Heaston (Opelika, Ala.) finished 28th with a mark of 14.98m/49-1.75.

Yurkovich first American woman in javelin final since 1983

Two-time NCAA champion Rachel Yurkovich finished 11th in qualifying in the women’s javelin with a best mark of 59.57m/195-5 and has qualified for Tuesday’s final. Yurkovic is the first American woman to qualify for the women’s javelin final at a World Championships since Karin Smith finsihed 10th in 1983 at the innaugural World Championships in Helsinki. Two-time USA Outdoor champion Kara Patterson (West Lafayette, Ind.) finished 29th in qualifying with 52.71m/172-11.2 and will not move on.

With just two events remaining in the women’s heptathlon, 2009 USA Outdoor champion Diana Pickler (Sasche, Texas) is currently in 10th place with 4,513 points. Sharon Day (Costa Mesa, Calif.) is just behind Pickler in 11th with 4,470 points and Bettie Wade (Northville, Mich.) is in 24th with 3,780 points.

In the first round of the men’s steeplechase, 2007 Pan Am Games champion Josh McAdams (Cordova, Tenn.) was 13th in heat 2 in 9:02.19. Running with the leader for the most of the first half of heat 3, Dan Huling (Geneva, Ill.) was unable to hold the pace and finished 12th in 8:46.79. Kyle Alcorn (Fresno, Calif.) was forced to step off the track after experiencing chest pains in heat 1 and did not finish his race. No Americans advanced to Tuesday’s final.

In the women’s 20 km racewalk, four-time USA Outdoor champion Teresa Vaill (Gainesville, Fla.) wasn’t feeling well at the 5km checkpoint and dropped out of the race between the 5 and 6km mark.

Taylor out, in, out again

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor (Atlanta, Ga.) finished fourth in heat 4 of the opening round of the men’s 400m hurdles competition Saturday evening in 49.64 seconds. His performance did not warrant advancement to the semifinals.

Following the race the meet referee ruled that Brendan Cole of Australia, who ran in Taylor’s heat, was disqualified for trail leg violations (IAAF Rule 168.7) over hurdles 1, 2 & 7, which moved Taylor up one spot and in to the semifinals.

Members of the Australian delegation filed a protest, which Team USA officials learned about late last evening. The referee reversed his original decision on video evidence and Team USA officials appealed that decision. The Jury of Appeals met this morning and denied the U.S. appeal to have Cole disqualified. Taylor will not compete in this evening’s semifinals.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Day 2 Morning Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Genna Gall (Ann Arbor, Mich.), Women’s 800 Meters

The pace wasn’t as fast as I thought it would be. I was up there in the mix. It was a little bumpy at times. There was a big spill with 150 to go. I was right behind that pack. I don’t know how it all went down. I was paying right attention to it. I jumped right over those girls. I focused on the finish line, getting there, top three, and I did. I was real happy about that.

(On how close to the spill) I was right there. I had to slow down, pretty much jump, and then realized I was in the front. I had to gear up and get back on again. I wanted to get off the rail and get around those girls. Something happened and I jumped right over them. I’m excited to go to the next round. I can’t wait.

Hazel Clark (Knoxville, Tenn.), Women’s 800 Meters

I took the lead. I really didn’t want to. I saw that fall in the other heat. I was in lane 1, so I wanted to get in the front, get clean, and then let someone else take over. It was a good race for me. It’s always good to get to the next round. I got there as quickly as possible. I don’t feel exhausted. I’m excited.

Maggie Vessey (Soquel, Calif.), Women’s 800 Meters

The game plan is difficult because you don’t know what everyone else is going to do. You have to play it by how the race starts out. That seemed like the best thing to do for this particular race. The conditions were fine. Everything was good for me. What helped me out was I was paying attention to the monitors. Since I was out front, I wanted to see where I was in relation to everyone else. The point was to get to the next round.

Jillian Camarena (Tuscon, Ariz.), Women’s Shot Put

It was definitely a rough one out there today. I didn’t put it together. I’m happy one of us got through. I’ll be out there cheering tonight for Michelle (Carter).

Kristin Heaston (Opelika, Ala.), Women’s Shot Put

Let me just say I am always proud to represent the United States. I work hard for everything that I get. I can’t control injuries. Unfortunately, it just got me and I couldn’t open up. I have a knee/hamstring issue that has been going on for two years. I haven’t had the means to get it fixed. Hopefully, I can get it corrected. Now I can come back tonight and cheer on Michelle (Carter). I can put in all my energy into all my teammates and my training partners for Auburn, Ala.

Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas), Women’s Shot Put

I’m going to go out there tonight and do my best. My goal was to make it to the finals, and I am taking it one step at a time. It was a little bumpy for me. But it’s OK. I can make the adjustments I need to make for this evening. I just focused on me. Because if I know I can continue to increase, that I will get close to the automatic mark, if I don’t hit it. I was a few centimeters short of it, and that was OK. I did make it to the next round.

Joshua McAdams (Cordova, Tenn.), Men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase

The last four months, I have had a little bit of a lower ab/groin problem. I have run through it most of the time. After Stockholm, I could barely run. I was doing about an 8-minute pace per mile with my wife the day after. Monday I was feeling worse off. I took a week off. I saw the doctor on Friday and he gave me some pain killer anti-inflammatory. I thought I was feeling good. We did some faster stuff earlier this week. I could tell my calves haven’t done much in a while. I was just flat.

I probably went out a little too fast for myself. I should have held back on that first lap. But we are here at the World Championships you put yourself in it, top four or five. I want to be top four or five all the way through. I wanted to finish. With three laps left, 1,200 to go, I thought about dropping out. I’m wearing USA. If it were just me, it’s another thing. But wearing USA, they didn’t fly me all the way over here just to drop out of a race. It was tough. But I wanted to finish.

Dan Huling (Columbus, Ohio), 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

I wanted to get out front early, but my coach told me not to be the one to push the pace. The plan was to run 8:19-8:21, but I don’t know why I didn’t. I feel like I was in shape to do that.

It was a bit of a shock to be up front then all of a sudden be in the back. It wasn’t like they accelerated the pace. My legs got deader and deader. It wasn’t what I was looking for. Overall, I can’t complain and be too down on myself–there’s a bunch of steeplers back home watching.

Kara Patterson (Lafayette, Ind.), Women’s Javelin

I felt awesome today, but I’m frustrated and confused. I’m ready to be more consistent. The fact that I didn’t pull it together today is upsetting.

I had a conversation with (US womens assistant coach) Carrie Lane an told her about what my cues are. I knew what I was doing, but I like to have a little conversation to reinforce what I’m doing. I felt great after that and had my best throw of the day, but it was still pretty bad.

(on her first year as a pro) I now have a better idea on what to expect. I had an awful experience traveling to London (for the London GP), but I’m now ready for anything after that. With experience, things will get easier.

Rachel Yurkovich (Eugene, Oregon), women’s javelin

I’m really ecstatic (to be the first American to make the final in the javelin since 1983)!

(On the first throw which qualified her for the final) I knew what I had to do, and that’s throw high 59 to 60 meters to make the final. I’ve been consistent up there all year. I knew that I could do it, and I know how to throw the javelin, so I went with my gut and went back to the basics, had some adrenaline, and got it out there. I’m not only happy to make the final, but I’m happy that I can throw this far this late in the season. This was either my seventh or eighth time over 59 meters this season.

I just focused on me today. I can’t focus on what’s happening around me, and just focused on what I need to do.

Lauryn Williams (Miami, Florida), Women’s 100 meters

The goal was not to do anything that will mess you up from going into the second round.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 100 meters

It wasn’t bad out there. I was out there cruising. It was pretty easy.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Day 1, Morning: USATF World Champs Quotes

For Immediate Release
Saturday, August 15, 2009

Day 1 Team USA quotes from Berlin - Mornining Session

Adam Nelson, Men’s shot put, Charlottesville, Va.
It was great out there. That’s how you like to get it done, with one throw. I’m in great shape. I’m expecting big things tonight.

Christian Cantwell, Men’s shot put, Columbia, Mo.
We had great weather. I feel good. I did what I wanted to do, and that’s all that matters. (Getting the qualifying mark on the second throw) I typically do that. I have only done it once on my first one. I don’t mind taking two throws. I usually take it safe on the first one, which I did. The second throw was just as easy. I got a little more flick on it. On the warm up track, I was throwing fine. I imagine I will add a little more distance to that tonight.

Dan Taylor, Men’s shot put, Mesa, Ariz.
The first throw was great. It was well over qualifying, but I guess I fouled it on the front. It went all downhill from there. The same thing happened at my first worlds.

Reese Hoffa, Athens, Ga.
It’s awesome to be in the finals. But I have to execute. I can’t just dilly-dally like I did this morning. I got through, and I’m happy about that. I may have struggled a little bit. I have to believe it was there. I don’t know what was going on out there. I think I was thinking too much. At the last couple of major championships, I went out there, first throw and I was gone. To go out there and barely just miss it, maybe it got too technical. It was 30 minutes between throws. That might wear you out just a bit as well.

Lindsay Anderson, Women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, So. Ogden,Utah
It’s definitely not what I was hoping for. As soon as the gun went off, I felt like I didn’t have it. I didn’t have anything there. It was kind of disappointing. Everything has been running great. It just wasn’t a good day.

Jennifer Barringer, Women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, Boulder, Colo.
I qualified. I gave everyone a heart-attack, but I qualified. I was a little nervous. With two laps to go, I changed the game plan, don’t try and take control of the race. It was getting a little aggressive up front. We weren’t running especially fast. I calmed down a little bit. I gave myself some room to see and know what I wanted to do. I was really confident with 100 meters that I was going to catch that qualifying pack. I think when I re-watch the race, I’m going to realize I was a little farther behind than I thought. It was a physical race for sure. I was ready for that. It was that way in China. It was that way in Japan. I definitely experienced that before. I got through today. I am really happy with qualifying. I will be ready to go.

Bridget Franek, women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, Hiram, Ohio
The first few laps, I definitely wanted to put myself in position, be ahead at the end and make finals, and that was the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, I ran out of gas or something. I felt awesome (when the race started). The first five laps, it felt so good. I don’t know what happened at the end. I’m so honored to make it. Nothing has changed. It has been a long season. I didn’t expect this going into the season. I have to make some adjustments. That’s something I will be working on for the future.
Jake Freeman, men’s hammer, Westbury, N.Y.
It was fun, a lot of fun out there. It was a great day to throw, we had great competition. I thought I did pretty good. The second throw was a good one. I just finished it right. That third throw, I needed a little more. But I kind of pulled it too much. I got some experience for my next one. I think I did ok. It gives me a little bit of confidence going into next year, and the next three years.
I would’ve like to have made it to the next day.
A.G. Kruger, Men’s Hammer Throw, Ashland, Ohio
Training, coaching and everything else felt great. I just didn’t put it together. It’s just as simple as that. I’m going to go home and figure out what to do next year. I will figure it out one of these years. When I do, I will throw it far.

Michael Mai, Men’s Hammer Throw, Santa Clara, Calif.
It started off pretty good. I was happy with my first throw. I kind of missed it at the finish. My second throw was really looking great. I just pulled it at the finish. It was a good day for the most part. I had the speed. Everything was ready to go. I just didn’t quite do what I was looking for. I haven’t had a lot of volume this year. I’m trying to work on things. It just takes a long time. Hopefully, I will have some more chances in the next year.

Jessica Beard, Women’s 400 Meters, Euclid, Ohio
I think it went pretty good. I got second in my heat. The top three automatically make it. Of course that was a big goal for me. I have to still work on some stuff in my race. I know that. I felt I ran pretty well, I’m happy with it. I know I have to run something better than I ran at USA Nationals. I think this is a perfect time for me. There is so much experience on this team especially when it comes to quarter-milers with what all they have done and accomplished. I’m just looking at them for experience and words of wisdom. Sanya (Richards) told me, “Jessica, just run your race.” That helped me calm down a lot.

Debbie Dunn, Women’s 400 Meters, Norfolk, Va.
It’s the first round, so the main goal is to go out there and get to the next race. I did that, so I am happy with my time. (Running style with right arm) I know. I have been happy with that for the longest time. I don’t know what to do with it. But I tried to work it. We’ll see for the next round. Hopefully, I will work it better for the next round.
Darvis Patton, Men’s 100 Meters, Grand Prairie, Texas
I miss my daughter Dakota Rae. She was born a little bit before the USA Championships, and my mom’s been doing a great job taking care of her while I’ve been away.

Rae Edwards, Men’s 100 Meters, Kansas City, Kan.
I learned today what it’s like to have to get back into the race.

Tyson Gay, Men’s 100 Meters, Clermont, Fla.
I just had to run and get the kinks out. I just played it safe and got through the=2 0round.

Erica McLain, Women’s Triple Jump, Menlo Park, Calif.
I felt like I was rushing through all three of my phases today. I had a lot of energy in getting ready to compete today, but it seemed like it wasn’t there this morning. In big meets like this, I have to learn how to be more of a competitor.

Sanya Richard, Women’s 400 Meters, Austin, Texas
I was happy that (Christina Ohuruogu) was there. I t gave me a little bit of extra motivation. Today I felt really relaxed. Coach (Clyde Hart) wanted me to go out and run my first 300 a little bit more aggressive. Coach might not be happy with where I was at 300, but my legs felt really strong coming home, and that’s how I like to feel.

I like to win all my races, so I can get the first pick of lanes.
For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.
Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.
For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.
About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

IAAF adopts “no false start” rule beginning in 2010

BERLIN - The IAAF Congress on Wednesday approved a new rule that will disqualify athletes the first time they false start in any given race. The rule will take effect January 1, 2010.

The rule will replace the current false-start policy of the first false-start being charged to the entire field, with only subsequent false-starts resulting in disqualification. Implementation is set for 2010 in order to enable athletes to become accustomed to the rule well ahead of the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Speaking in support of the rule change, IAAF President Lamine Diack pointed to the NCAA’s longstanding no false start rule as evidence that such a rule is practical and enforceable. He stated his belief that “the current rule gives sprinters the chance to play the system,” he said, “to deliberately false start but not be punished for it.”

The rule change was approved by a vote of 97 to 55, with six abstentions. The IAAF Congress on Wednesday also approved defining masters as age 40 and over for long-distance running and road racing.

The IAAF Congress is being held in Berlin prior to the start of the 12th IAAF World Outdoor Championships, which begin Saturday and conclude August 23.

For more information on the World Championships, visit www.usatf.org

Stuczynski unable to compete at World Outdoor Championships

USA Track & Field Press Release:

BERLIN - 2008 Olympic women’s pole vault silver medalist Jenn Stuczynski will not compete at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics due to an injury. The Championships will take place August 15-23 at the 1936 Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

The #2 women’s pole vaulter of all time and a four-time USA Outdoor champion, Stuczynski has been battling a nagging injury of late that will keep her from competing at the World Championships.

“Despite my focused efforts for the last five weeks to get 100% healthy, I made the decision on Sunday that I just can’t be ready in time to compete in Berlin,” said Stuczynski. “The doctors who are treating me say that my Achilles injury is not serious, but it just has not improved enough for me to vault next weekend. I think I just ran out of time. I’m disappointed I won’t get the opportunity to join Team USA in Germany.”

Stuczynski will be replaced on the Team USA roster by 2004 Olympian and three-time previous U.S. World Outdoor Championships team member Jillian Schwartz.

A consistent performer that has been ranked in the top five in the U.S. each year since 2003, Schwartz’s best performance at a previous World Outdoor Championships was in 2005 when she finished 11th in Helsinki, Finland. The fourth-place finisher at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships (4.45 meters/14 feet 7.25 inches), Schwartz’s best clearance this season of 4.55m/14-11 came from her win July 12 in Donnas. Her career best clearance of 4.72m/15-5.75i was set in Jonesboro, Ark., on June 15, 2008.

For more information on Team USA at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics in Berlin, visit: www.usatf.org.

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