Dayron Robles meets with the media in Monaco (© Bob Ramsak)
Carlo, MonacoSeveral of the world’s leading athletes made themselves available to the media on the eve of the World Athletics Gala. Below are some excerpts from the first day of press conferences held at the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco.
Usain Bolt (JAM), Olympic champion and World record holder, 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay, and World Athlete of the Year finalist:
On his return to Jamaica following the conclusion of his season –
It was amazing to see people lining the streets, in the rain, to see me. People just wanted to touch me. It was a wonderful feeling.
On his celebration following his Olympic 100m victory –
It really wasn’t any disrespect towards any athletes. I asked other athletes and they said they would do the same thing.
Will he move up or add the 400m to his repertoire?
I like to say that anything is possible. Maybe we’ll try to run some 400s in 2010.
On how his life has changed after his Beijing success –
There’s much more media attention. Many more people recognize me at home and overseas. But sometimes I do watch myself, am a little more careful.
What were his favourite events to watch at the Olympics?
I watched al the distance races. Tirunesh Dibaba was amazing. I’m just astonished watching people sprint after running 15 laps.
On finding the motivation for 2009 –
It won’t be any problem. Everybody’s going to be gunning for me. I’m definitely motivated for next season. Last year I was in the best shape of my life. I better be able to reproduce it again.
Goals for 2009?
My main aim is just to stay on top.
It feels good to be one of the greatest sprinters. You can’t explain what it feels like to get up in the morning knowing you’re one of the best ever.
Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS), Olympic Pole Vault Champion and World Athlete of the Year finalist:
On 2008 being a "comeback" year of sorts -
(Coach) Vitaly (Petrov) said that the two years after making a change would be difficult. Two years had passed so we were expecting things to be better. But (American Jenn) Stuczynski did help me. That she was jumping well made me angry, angry in a sport sense. It wasn’t quite a challenge though. I had already jumped 4.92 four years ago.
On how long she plans on competing –
I dream to defend my Olympic title and then retire. That will be enough. Also to get more world records, another 10 or 15.
Is she nervous before competitions?
I’m still always nervous. I have to win all my competitions. Because if I lose, it’s a big sensation. And I don’t want that kind of sensation.
Her main rivals?
I think that it’s going to be me. Everytime.
On how sport transcends politics –
We are outside of all the political things. Between athletes, we don’t have any problems. Sport helps connect people and helps to make a better world.
Her ideal vacation/holiday –
Just lying on a beach, swimming and eating everything that I want!
Dayron Robles (CUB), Olympic champion and World record holder in the 110m Hurdles:
On his return to his home in Guantanamo after last season –
It was something very, very amazing. I didn’t expect all the people in Guantanamo to be in the streets. It was really overwhelming.
On his 2009 plans –
I’ll do a full indoor season and think it will be a good season. Better than last year.
Is the 60m Hurdles World indoor record among his targets?
The athlete who says he doesn’t want to break a world record is a liar.
What aspect of his race needs the most improvement?
It’s hard to say exactly where. You have to improve a little bit on most things. Nothing is ever perfect. There is always something that can be improved upon. It’s going to be very hard to run a perfect race.
What is his aim prior to every race?
My aim is not to break the world record. My aim is always to run a perfect race. Then I look at the clock.
Has his life changed since winning Olympic gold?
I tried not to change anything in my life. It’s other people who make me feel like an Olympic champion.
Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH), Olympic 5000 and 10,000m champion, and World Athlete of the Year finalist:
“This year has been fantastic, and the big bonus is the marriage on top of the Olympics.”
“I won the 5k and 10k at the Olympics and would hope I have done enough to win the athlete of the year.”
“I want to improve the records for both distances and the hardest to achieve is the 10k.”
On Bolt saying that she was his favourite athlete in Beijing:
“Yes Bolt was my favourite athlete in Beijing too. I appreciate the sprints.”
Liu Xiang (CHN), world champion 110m Hurdles
On the evolution of his Achilles heel injury which forced his dramatic withdrawal from the Olympic Games –
I really can’t remember clearly the last time I didn’t feel any pain. I always felt pain when wearing spikes.
For several months I felt the severe pain. But I thought that I could hurdle and compete (at the Olympics). There’s nothing greater for an athlete to compete at home at an Olympic Games.”
On his surgery follow-up and possibilities of competing in 2009 –
I’ll need at least six months of rehab before I can wear spikes agin.
I don’t care so much about next season, whether I compete or not. I’m more concerned about my recovery.
On the pre-Olympic pressure at home in China -
“Every Chinese athlete had pressure. I could feel the pressure four years ago. All the people expected more than I could do. People wanted me to win. But for athletes, anything could happen. It’s normal and fair to accept winning and losing.
How he felt about being forced to withdraw -
I didn’t have to cry. It was destiny perhaps, and something that could actually help me in life. Sometimes you have to face that unhappiness. It gave me an opportunity to deeply consider my future.
You have to be ready for everything. In life you have to face everything you have to face.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
