Day 4 Team USA Quotes – evening session – US Track & Field – NEWS

Men's 400m hurdles final
Angelo Taylor (Decatur, Ga.): "It means the world to me (to win another gold medal). I think I could have run faster though. I went out like I wanted to. It's a personal best. I haven't run fast since 2001. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

It means the world to me. Keeping the faith. I'm a really blessed individual. To go through what I went through and be back on top means the world to me.

It's such a great feeling. I was the Olympic champion in 2000. Coming back in 2004 I wanted to defend my title but I didn't make the final. I was a little disappointed then but at the same time I made the team injured. I had stress fractures in both shins."

Kerron Clement (Los Angeles, Calif.): "We are the best three hurdlers in the world. We proved that today. I'm really happy with my silver medal. All season, we've been very consistent. I was focusing on myself and the hurdles and going 1-2-3.

Bershawn Jackson (Raleigh, N.C.): "I was fourth at the last hurdle. Came up third and I thought I had second. I was pushing it. I'm happy with third. I wanted it so bad but I kept making errors. I kept crashing hurdles. I think it was three or four. All three of us know what it takes to win."

Women's discus final

Stephanie Brown Trafton (Galt, Calif.): "I came into the 2004 Olympics just out of college. I was very nervous and didn't make the final. I told people when you make the final anything can happen. I had a far throw and nobody else stepped up. I won a gold medal! I almost started to cry on the victory lap but I didn't. Bit I know I'll cry on the medal stand."

Aretha Thurmond (Federal Way, Wash.): "I gave it my all today. I'm not going to be disappointed. It is disappointing to know I had a legitimate chance for that podium. My last throw, I set it up, I did everything I wanted to do and the disc just got away from me. I just came up short. It's always a learning experience. Getting to the second day is an accomplishment for me.

Women's pole vault final

Jennifer Stuczynski (Churchville, N.Y.): "I couldn't ask for anything more than to come to my first Olympics and get a medal, a silver no less. It's beyond words to have people in there cheering for you. I made a lot of jumps and I'm feeling it right now.

On why she had four attempts at 4.90m: "They made me jump two minutes, two minutes, two minutes. You're supposed to get three minutes.

April Steiner Bennett (Springdale, Ark.): "I was jumping great. I had first attempt makes up until my PR. So we went to a pole I haven't been on except for a little bit in practice. … I walked out of the tunnel and onto the track and I started to cry. It was just so overwhelming.

Men's 3,000m steeplechase final

Anthony Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.): "My legs didn't feel well. I had a feeling no one would take the pace. I said, 'let's make it anyone's race.' I kept wasting so much energy. I couldn't see the barriers, there were so many guys bunched together. I had to stop dead and start a couple of times. When they made that move, I couldn't make it. I should have just gone to the front and taken the pace.

Women's 100m hurdle semifinal

Lolo Jones (Baton Rouge, La.): "I don't remember the start too much. Once in the middle I got my rhythm. Once I got my rhythm, everything clicked. That's what I'm excited about.

I'm excited. As soon as I leave the stadium I'm going to forget it (this race) and focus on the final. Hopefully the Americans will have a great day tomorrow."

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.): "I knew I had to turn it up today to make the final. You do what you gotta do. I feel better today. I had the flu. I'm going to do what I have to do."

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.): "Besides kicking one of the hurdles, it was a good race for me. It's time we take back a little track and field."

Men's 200m, 2nd round

Walter Dix (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.): "I set the pace at the curve. I was able to do that. I feel like I'm in control right now. Anyone can beat people on any given day."

Wallace Spearmon (Fayetteville, Ark.): "I went out there trying to get top two. I pushed it kind of close. I accomplished my job and I get to run tomorrow. Top two is favored and that is the main focus because you get inside lanes.

When you get to the finals you just run as hard as you can and hope you can beat the Bolt."

Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles, Calif.): "We all let up. We don't let it all hang out until the final or semifinal if you have to push it. It's all about advancing. I didn't know how close it was at the end, I just remember seeing people."

Women's 400m hurdles semifinal

Tiffany Ross-Williams (Kissimmee, Fla.): "I felt like I should have taken the first 200 a little harder. I'm glad I advanced."

Sheena Tosta (Chula Vista, Calif.): "I did feel strong. I just tried to focus. I didn't feel anyone around me. I'm glad to make the final. It's anybody's race, we're all right there."

Queen Quedith Harrison (Mechanicsville, Va.): "I felt I ran a solid race. I gave it my best effort. My feet got a little fouled up. Overall I'm proud."

Vicky Oddi
Communications Coordinator
Vicky.Oddi@usatf.org