ZÜRICH 2014 – European Athletics – News – Medal Press Conference transcript (Sunday, 17 August)

MARATHON Medal Press Conference transcript (Sunday, 17 August)

Gold:  Daniele Meucci (ITA) – 2:11:08

After running the 10K earlier this week (finished sixth), I feel very good.  I tried to run fast in that race, and then I had three days of recovery.  Now, it is hard to believe that I was able to finish the marathon in the first position. 

During the last three days, I only recovered.  Perhaps a 30- or 40-minute run each day.  Feel that I’m in great company with the other Italian marathon champions (Stefano Baldini and Gelindo Bordin).  Bordin is my Italian sponsor (Diadora) and he believes in me. 

Marcin Chabowski (POL) had a big lead but I was able to catch him after 30K.  I spoke before the race with my friend Ruggiero, and we waited for the right moment to make a push. 

I do not plan any further marathons this year, but I feel that this distance is my future. 

(Note that Meucci now has a full set of European medals, with gold in the marathon here, plus a previous silver and bronze in the 10K.)

I saw my son at the finish.  He’s too young to speak yet, but I saw the happiness in his eyes. 

Silver:  Yared Shegumo (POL) – 2:12:00

It was long road, too long, to success.   I stayed in Poland in 1999 after a competition.  I ran a wide range of distances before arriving there, from 400m to 3K, and after arriving in Poland I began to focus on the longer distances.  In 2007, I went to the UK to work for three and one-half years, doing such jobs as a security guard and a car park attendant.  I returned to Poland in 2011 and started my marathon training in 2012.  So, it was a long wait for me to be here today.  I’m feeling much better now in the longer distances. 

While I was still in Ethiopia, I ran 400m in 47.54 but I was more comfortable at the 800m distance which I ran in 1:48.   I still return to Ethiopia on occasion for training, including my preparation for today.  I came to Zürich directly from Ethiopia. 

I ran earlier this year in Lodz to check on my condition before this competition.  Today was my first marathon competition outside of Poland.   

Bronze:  Aleksey Reunkov (RUS) – 2:12:15

This was a hard race because of the four hills.  But I prepared well for the course by going to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan in July.  I included a lot of hills in my training regimen there. 

After the last hill, at the 37^th kilometre, I saw Abdellatif Meftah of France ahead of me.  He was third and I was fourth.  I thought about pushing past him, and I did this in the 39^th kilometre.  During the final three kilometres, I focused on staying in third. 

For the European Cup competition (won by his RUS team), during today’s competition I saw so many runners from Poland, Italy, France, and Switzerland ahead of me that I thought we could probably only take third place in the Cup.  I had not reckoned on winning the team race. 

WOMEN’S 5000 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

Gold:  Meraf Bahta (SWE) -15:31.39

My tactic was easy:  Go hard with 1000m left.  I’ve trained hard in St. Moritz with the national team, so I was prepared for that. 

I was very happy to win a gold medal for my new country of Sweden (emigrated from Eritrea and became eligible for Sweden last December). 

Silver:  Sifan Hassan (NED) – 15:31.79

I wanted to go on the last lap, but it didn’t work completely.  I didn’t have the energy to do the short sprint at the end (100m). 

Bronze:  Susan Kuijken (NED) – 15:32.82

I was very happy with the bronze.  I didn’t want to wait until the very end, so when no one would take the pace, I went with 800 left.  I didn’t really run away from the others so I panicked a bit.  Then I just sprinted to the end but I didn’t know my finish.  One of my friends in the stands told me that I had the bronze. 

 

It really gave me a boost that things were going well for the Dutch team.  I’ve been having to stay in the hotel a lot to rest up, so it was good seeing them winning on TV. 

 

I’m not necessarily running better because we have another good Dutch athlete now (Hassan).  I have improved every year since I changed to my new coach, Nic Bideau.  It’s good to have another good athlete in Holland. 

 

 

WOMEN’S DISCUS THROW Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

 

Gold:  Sandra Perkovic (CRO) – 71.08 world leader (best performance since 1992)

 

When I came to the stadium I was praying God for no rain, and everything was fine.  I started with 65m (64.58) and after that I threw 67m (67.37).  I threw after that 68.78.  In the fifth round, I felt something and I had a good feeling.  When I released the discus, I knew it would be over 70, but I was surprised to see 71.08.  I was so happy because it was a new world lead and national record.  This is my best shape ever.

 

When I look back at all of my past throws, I don’t think this was my ideal throw.  I came here to get my third gold, and it didn’t matter if I did it with 62 metres.  I’ll continue with the Diamond League and perhaps I can throw further. 

 

I don’t want to think about the world record which is 76.80.  It’s very far.  Each year I want to throw further and further.  Perhaps 72 next year, then 73 . . . and then I want to go to Chula Vista and throw a world record, because I have seen in Chula Vista there are very good results. 

I know that someone threw 76.80 at one time in the past, but I think that my 71.08 today is the ‘world record of modern times’.  I don’t want to talk about the past, about the 1980s.  Let those times stay in those times. 

Silver:  Mélina Robert-Michon (FRA) – 65.33

This was quite different from my silver-medal performance in Moscow.  I had more pressure here to confirm what I had done last year. 

This medal was quite important because it was the first discus medal for France in 80 years.  But it was also important for me, too.  Our French team is winning lots of medals, and it’s important that one of them be in a throwing event.  It motivates me for the future. 

Bronze:  Shanice Craft (GER) – 64.33

It was a great experience for me here with my first European championships.  It was a great feeling that I could win a medal for my team. 

I hope that I can contribute in the future to the great German tradition in the discus.  I hope that with hard work I can also win a medal at the next international championship.  I know that the competition will be at a higher level, but I also hope that my level will also have improved. 

WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

 

Gold:  Olha Saladukha (UKR) -14.73

The competition was easy for me but my season was difficult because of the situation in Ukraine.  I had to move from my home in Donetsk to train in Kyiv.  I was glad to have won a third consecutive gold medal in my event. 

With my experience over the years, I realized that my early 14.73 might not be enough.  I wanted to jump 15m which would certainly have been a safe jump. 

I dedicate this medal to my daughter, whom I have not seen for a long time.  It was important for me and my country to win today.  

Silver:  Yekaterina Koneva (RUS) – 14.69

Did not participate in the press conference. 

Bronze:  Irina Gumenyuk (RUS) – 14.46

Only in the fourth attempt did I pay attention to how the others were doing.  You need to compete mainly with yourself. 

WOMEN’S 400 METRES HURDLES Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

Gold:  Eilidh Child (GBR) – 54.48

I felt I had to go for it from the start.  It was good that I was on the inside so I could see most of my opposition. 

The Europeans were similar for me to the Commonwealth Games.  I wasn’t the fastest coming into Glasgow, but I was at the top of the European list.  I would have liked to run a PB, but a medal is better.

I plan to do the remaining Diamond League competitions and finish with the Continental Cup in September.

Silver:  Anna Titimets (UKR) – 54.56

I’m quite happy because this is my first medal at any level of international competition.  My coach told me that if I really wanted a medal, I had to run a PB.  And that’s what I did.  At the end, I was just running with closed eyes in my lane.  I did not realize I had passed Rosolova just before the finish. 

Bronze:  Irina Davydova (RUS) – 54.60

I want to thank the team doctors and physios for all of their help in getting me ready after a rough season.  At the start, I wasn’t thinking about a medal, but it happened!  In overtaking Rosolova at the end, I wasn’t seeing anyone around me.  I really was just fighting with myself.

WOMEN’S 800 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

Gold:  Maryna Arzamasova (BLR) – 1:58.15 European lead

I was so happy to run this PB.  So many times I have run in the 1:59s.  Finally I’m in good form. 

My thoughts over the last 150m when I was behind Lynsey were that the speed was comfortable for a good result.  It was not too fast, so I was able to finish quickly for the win

Silver:  Lynsey Sharp (GBR) – 1:58.80

It’s been a difficult year, with two surgeries.  At one time I didn’t know if I would even have a season.  So two silvers (Europeans and Commonwealth) is a good sign. 

In the last half lap, I turned and saw Maryna.  I said ‘Oh, no!’ because I am usually the one who is following.  The front-running tactics tonight came from a suggestion by my coach, after I had done so well in the first two rounds. 

(Comparing the Europeans and Commonwealth.)  They were at a similar level for me this year.  It was special having the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in front of a home crowd, but I did come to Zurich as the defending European champion and that also carries importance. 

Bronze:  Joanna Jozwik (POL) – 1:59.63

I’m so happy to have a PB here.  When I arrived in Zurich, my goal was only to reach the semifinal.  This is all so unexpected.

I’ve been running for ten years.  I’m in the training group of Andrzej Wolkowycki in Warsaw (also trainer of men’s 800m surprise silver medallist Artur Kuciapski). 

WOMEN’S MARATHON Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

Gold:  Christelle Daunay (FRA) – 2:25.14 CR

It was a difficult race.  I had to be patient.  We had to climb the hill four times.  I was always looking for Jessica and also Valeria because I knew they would probably be my biggest challengers.  I know that I’m also strong, and that is why I had the confidence to attack at the end. 

The conditions were ideal, with no wind.  The temperature was cool, and OK.  The course surface was good and not wet. 

The most difficult part today was to be patient and to try and be faster than the others.  But any of us three could have won today.  Luckily I was the one.  But the next time it could be one of the others. 

I was happy to contribute to France’s gold medal total (now at six, equal to GBR).  The others earlier in the week showed me the way. 

I’m not sure of my next competition.  I only decided to run here after the NY Marathon last autumn, and after French colleagues encouraged me to include it in my plans. 

I could have run the 10K here, but my specialty has been the marathon.  It was my personal choice.  The marathon distance has been a project with the French Federation to help me reach my goals. 

How long will I continue to run?  As long as I’m in shape, I’ll continue to run with pleasure.  The gold medal today is a big incentive to continue doing the hard work that I enjoy. 

 

Silver:  Valeria Straneo (ITA) – 2:25.27

 

I was leading early with Lisa Christina Nemec (CRO).  She pushed me really hard on the hill.  It was a bit hard for me next to her because I didn’t want to let her get away.  At the end, I was having some problems with cramps and I couldn’t push.  In the end, I’m happy to have the silver today.  Just glad to be on the podium. 

 

I don’t plan to run the world championships next year.  Perhaps I may run the NY Marathon later this year. 

 

Bronze:  Jessica Augusto (POR) – 2:25.41

 

I am pleased to win Portugal’s first medal here in Zurich.  I worked hard for this medal, and in a very intelligent way, I believe.  I was with the first group during the first short lap, then I fell back because I was listening to my body which was telling me to go with another rhythm.  I came back at the end and was happy to have won bronze. 

 

I did run the London Marathon, but I had time to rest for two weeks afterwards so today was not so extremely difficult.  This was my third marathon in 2014.  I will rest now for the Olympics.  I do not plan to run in the world championships.  I need rest for now. 

 

WOMEN’S MARATHON Medal Press Conference transcript (Saturday, 16 August)

 

Gold:  Christelle Daunay (FRA) – 2:25.14 CR

 

It was a difficult race.  I had to be patient.  We had to climb the hill four times.  I was always looking for Jessica and also Valeria because I knew they would probably be my biggest challengers.  I know that I’m also strong, and that is why I had the confidence to attack at the end. 

 

The conditions were ideal, with no wind.  The temperature was cool, and OK.  The course surface was good and not wet. 

 

The most difficult part today was to be patient and to try and be faster than the others.  But any of us three could have won today.  Luckily I was the one.  But the next time it could be one of the others. 

 

I was happy to contribute to France’s gold medal total (now at six, equal to GBR).  The others earlier in the week showed me the way. 

 

I’m not sure of my next competition.  I only decided to run here after the NY Marathon last autumn, and after French colleagues encouraged me to include it in her plans. 

 

I could have run the 10K here, but my specialty has been the marathon.  It was my personal choice.  The marathon distance has been a project with the French Federation to help me reach my goals. 

 

How long will I continue to run?  As long as I’m in shape, I’ll continue to run with pleasure.  The gold medal today is a big incentive to continue doing the hard work that I enjoy. 

 

Silver:  Valeria Straneo (ITA) – 2:25.27

 

I was leading early with Lisa Christina Nemec (CRO).  She pushed me really hard on the hill.  It was a bit hard for me next to her because I didn’t want to let her get away.  At the end, I was having some problems with cramps and I couldn’t push.  In the end, I’m happy to have the silver today.  Just glad to be on the podium. 

 

I don’t plan to run the world championships next year.  Perhaps I may run the NY Marathon later this year. 

 

Bronze:  Jessica Augusto (POR) – 2:25.41

 

I am pleased to win Portugal’s first medal here in Zurich.  I worked hard for this medal, and in a very intelligent way, I believe.  I was with the first group during the first short lap, then I fell back because I was listening to my body which was telling me to go with another rhythm.  I came back at the end and was happy to have won bronze. 

 

I did run the London Marathon, but I had time to rest for two weeks afterwards so today was not so extremely difficult.  This was my third marathon in 2014.  I will rest now for the Olympics.  I do not plan to run in the world championships.  I need rest for now.

 

MEN’S 200 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Adam Gemili (GBR) – 19.98 world leader

 

I didn’t realize how strong the headwind was tonight until I was told.  The track is super fast.  I just wanted to get to the podium.

 

I’m still only 20.  I have more years to get fitter and stronger

 

Silver:  Christophe Lemaitre (FRA) – 20.15

 

I came here only for the gold in the 200.  I had the European lead, so I felt that the gold was only goal.  Now I must help my teammates in the relay tomorrow.  Because of some injuries in the others, I probably will have to run in the heats.

 

Bronze:  Serhiy Smelyk (UKR) – 20.30 

 

This was a very nice surprise in such a great company of sprinters.  I am very satisfied.  Tonight, Ukraine won a full set of medals—gold and silver in the high jump, plus my bronze in the 200.  [NOTE:  Zemlyak also won silver in the women’s 400 tonight.]

 

WOMEN’S HAMMER THROW Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Anita Wlodarczyk (POL) – 78.76 world leader, NR and CR

 

I expected to be fighting for the gold with Betty Heidler, but in the end I was fighting with myself.  After my opening two fouls, I was able to get a good mark in the third round which gave me three more attempts to work hard for a really good performance. 

 

Would she have had a world record had it not been for the rain?  Yes, I thought that a world record was close.  Perhaps I will be ready for it next week in Warsaw.  I’d like to be the first woman to throw over 80m. 

 

Silver:  Martina Hrasnova (SVK) – 74.66

 

I knew I was in good shape when I arrived, and it proved good enough for a medal. 

 

Bronze:  Joanna Fiorodow (POL) – 73.67

 

I was a little shocked by the bronze.  I knew there would be many good throwers in the final.  I got lucky on my final attempt and that moved me onto the podium. 

 

HEPTATHLON Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Antoinette Nana Djimou (FRA) – 6551

 

My toughest event was the 800, but it is also the one that I was most satisfied with because it brought me past Nadine to the gold.  Overall, my javelin was the best event of the two days.  My tactic in the 800m was to let Nadine pace me and then run hard at the end.

 

I was disappointed with my high jump. 

 

The conditions here were not much different than my training conditions in Paris—rain.  But I shaved my head, and the rain was probably less of a problem for me!

 

Silver:  Nadine Broersen (NED) – 6539

 

These two days were long, but now I’m happy with the silver.  Best of all was my high jump, which was a national record (1.94).  My javelin was also good tonight.  The audience was good and the atmosphere helped a lot. 

 

Bronze:  Nafissatou Thiam (BEL) – 6508

 

I came here without thinking about a medal, even after my high jump (1.97—highest ever in heptathlon competition).  I really only started to think of a medal just before the 800m.  It was a PB in that event and I’m happy about it, even though I really hate the event!

 

My biggest disappointment was with the long jump. 

 

MEN’S HIGH JUMP Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Bohdan Bondarenko (UKR) – 2.35

 

It’s not easy jumping in the rain.  This is the first time for me this season in such conditions.  Tonight, after jumping I was wet from head to toe. 

 

Andriy was ahead of me when I was jumping at 2.35.  My coach advised me to change my approach on my second attempt, and that proved to be the winning jump. 

 

Is there still a chance for a world record this season?  Maybe 50-50.  I will be at the Continental Cup in Marrakech in September.  I was there in June and I liked the stadium, except for the wind.  Perhaps in September, things will be calmer and that will be the right setting. 

 

I plan to be in Birmingham if the visa arrangements can be made. 

 

Silver:  Andriy Protsenko (UKR) – 2.33

 

I want to win next time.  I tried hard at 2.37 after Bohdan jumped 2.35 and I had passed two jumps at that height.  The conditions were simply bad for a good performance.  It was strange that I could not cope easily with the surface at 2.26 where I needed three jumps, but then I cleared 2.30 on my first.  Just a strange evening.

 

I will jump in Eberstadt because I do not have a visa to compete at the Birmingham Diamond League

 

Bronze:  Ivan Ukhov (RUS) – 2.30

 

It happened like it happened.  (Afterwards, Ukhov answered questions privately with Russian media.)

 

MEN’S 400 METRES HURDLES Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Kariem Hussein (SUI) – 48.96

 

(Taken from flash quotes because Hussein did not participate in medal press conference)

 

This was an awesome audience!  I ran a fantastic time, a sub-49, a new PB and got the gold.  I’m more than satisfied.  My start was good, I controlled my rhythm, I stayed relaxed, I was patient, I waited and then attacked.  It is incredible. 

 

You cannot plan such a thing in advance. You cannot even think it in advance. 

 

It’s a strange feeling.  All of my emotions went into this race.  I wanted it so much.  Normally I am not that emotional but at the start when the audience supported me so much, I had tears in my eyes.  But now I feel strangely empty.  I told you that I would get both—the gold medal and a PB—and when I say something, I do it. 

 

Silver:  Rasmus Mägi (EST) – 49.06

 

The season has been a good one.  I hope it signifies a breakthrough year for me.  I saw Hussein working hard during this final, so I give him my biggest congratulations for his impressive win. 

 

After my semifinal race, I had increased expectations perhaps.  But finals are always different.  This was especially true tonight with the rain and the wind on the backstretch.  I really could not get into the proper rhythm. 

 

Bronze:  Denis Kudryavtsev (RUS) – 49.16

 

I hope to work together with my coach and improve my times for next season.  This is my first experience in a competition with three rounds.  I felt tired.  But at the end of the day I’m satisfied with the bronze. 

 

WOMEN’S 200 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Friday, 15 August)

 

Gold:  Dafne Schippers (NED) – 22.03 world leader and NR

 

I’m a little tired after five races.  But in the heptathlon first day, I’m also tired after four events.  So, I guess it should be expected.  Next year I still plan to be back in the heptathlon. 

 

In general, I’ve run sprints indoors and heptathlon outdoors.  I think that overall I’m better in the 200 than in the 100. 

 

Silver:  Jodie Williams (GBR) – 22.46

 

I’m very happy, but I’m also quite tired after the Comm