Posted: June 22, 2006

Athletics: 2006 AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships Press Conference excerpts

2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World Outdoor 200 meter champion Allyson Felix, 2006 NCAA Champion and world leader in the 100 meter hurdles Ginnie Powell, 2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World 100 meter champion Lauryn Williams, #1 world-ranked in the 400 meters Sanya Richards, 2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World decathlon champion Bryan Clay, 2004 Olympic gold medalist, 2005 World champion & 100 meter World record holder Justin Gatlin, and 2004 Olympic gold medalist & 2005 World 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner spoke t a USA Track & Field press conference Wednesday in Indianapolis.

They will compete in the final event of USATF's Outdoor Visa Championships Series, the 2006 AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 22-25 in Indianapolis. It is the selection meet for the IAAF World Cup of Athletics, which will take place later this summer. The Championships will be televised live on ESPN2 from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. All times are Eastern.

The following are excerpts from Wednesday's press conference

2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World Outdoor 200 meter champion Allyson Felix, 2006 NCAA Champion and world leader in the 100 meter hurdles Ginnie Powell, 2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World 100 meter champion Lauryn Williams, #1 world-ranked in the 400 meters Sanya Richards, 2004 Olympic silver medalist & 2005 World decathlon champion Bryan Clay, 2004 Olympic gold medalist, 2005 World champion & 100 meter World record holder Justin Gatlin, and 2004 Olympic gold medalist & 2005 World 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner spoke t a USA Track & Field press conference Wednesday in Indianapolis.

They will compete in the final event of USATF's Outdoor Visa Championships Series, the 2006 AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 22-25 in Indianapolis. It is the selection meet for the IAAF World Cup of Athletics, which will take place later this summer. The Championships will be televised live on ESPN2 from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. All times are Eastern.

The following are excerpts from Wednesday's press conference.

Allyson Felix -

"I ran a bit overseas, and then I came up with an injury. Lately I have been training, and I am ready to go. "

When asked about the return of Marion Jones:

"It is important for us (the youngsters) to keep things going, no matter who we are racing against."

Ginnie Powell -

"I am really motivated coming off the meet two weeks ago."

"Michelle Perry is a great hurdler, so it can be anybodies race."

From last year to this year:

"I worked on the technical aspects of my race. I was trying to fine tune things. I am trying to get stronger over the hurdles. I still have word to do toward the finish."

Lauryn Williams

"I have had really good workouts the past few weeks. I was having great workouts then I was sick, and now I have been having really good workouts the past few weeks."

"I am excited to get back on the track."

Sanya Richards -

When asked about doubling in the 200 meters and 400 meters:

"I really want to double. I am having a little pain in my right quad."

"I would really like to break the quarter mile American Record (48.83)."

The stronger I get, the faster I will be able to go. It helps my confidence, 48 is obtainable."

Brian Clay-

"I am feeling really good, I don't have any injuries. I am looking forward to good weather and good conditions."

"I am planning to give the American Record and World Record a challenge."

"Warmer conditions are always better, the last two meets I won in the pouring rain. I just go out and have fun."

When asked about what events he is concentrating on:

"You have to think of the decathlon as one event. You have to work on all ten."

"I am trying to work on consistency."

Justin Gatlin -

"Every race except Qatar has not been good weather. I am ready for great weather and a great track. "

"Some people might say that if you run a fast time every time you will get burned out. Whenever I step on the track my goal is to run a fast time."

When asked about what he thinks of Asafa Powell:

"I think people ask me that question to much."

Jeremy Wariner -

"My times are dropping every time I run."

"I have been doing a lot more speed work and quick action."

"I want to concentrate on the rest of the Golden League, I don't have any more 200's scheduled for the rest of the season."

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