Justin Gatlin at the USATF team press conference in Helsinki (© Getty Images)
Dwight Phillips, Justin Gatlin, Allyson Felix and Kerron Clement were presented to the world’s media this afternoon at the Olympic stadium, ahead of the start of the 10th IAAF World Championships in Athletics (6 – 14 August) on Saturday.
Justin Gatlin – Olympic 100m champion
“I am very hungry for success. My career is young and I hope I can go out and make a great show for the public.”
“Championships are about the best man on the day going out and winning. You can only race who is there (with reference to Asafa Powell’s injury). I proved that last year in Athens that I was the best.”
“I can’t pick out any names of rivals. Last year in Athens I wasn’t expected to win, and Shawn Crawford was also a dark horse for the 200m but look what happened.”
“9.75 seconds is my goal but I am out here first to get the World title.”
“In the 200m, I‘m going to meet people with fresher legs, as I am the only one, certainly of the Americans, who is doubling here but I am confident to go for both titles.”
Congress’ decision not to change the False Start Rule –
“I like the way the rule is now, so I am delighted by the decision. You have to have room for human error. It (the starting process) shouldn’t just be ‘man versus machine’.”
Dwight Phillips – World and Olympic Long Jump champion
“I am the best jumper in the world. If someone wants to win (in Helsinki) they’ll have to go through me.”
“I have been so intensely looking for the World record for a long time…I am focusing my performance on bringing the championship title back to the USA.”
“I draw my confidence from winning and kicking my opponents’ butts…also from working hard, and I think I work harder than anyone else.”
Kerron Clement – USA 400m Hurdles champion; World Indoor 400m record holder**
“The first 200m is the strongest part of my race and so I just have to make sure I stay focused in the last half of the race.”
“I stay focused by thinking about every hurdle and thinking about my mom.”
About his inexperience –
“My training and basic strength will carry me through the rounds.”
“I am not really surprised about my emergence this year. Once I get my steps down right I know I can win.”
“I am just prepared well. I expect gold definitely. I am very hungry for success. The (400mH) gold will be in my grasp on Tuesday (9 Aug).”
Allyson Felix – Olympic 200m silver medallist
“My focus has been on strength and only at the later part of the season have I moved on to the speed work.”
“To beat her (Veronica Campbell, Olympic gold medallist) in Helsinki I need to get out well. I need to execute the first half of the race better, as Veronica is a very strong runner.”
“I gained a lot of experience from the Olympics but I have to be more patient and learn more about the event.”
About the much speculated possibility of her being Gatlin’s girlfriend –
“Justin is a great friend. It’s nice to have him around the village.”
Chris Turner for the IAAF
**Subject to ratification
