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Carter bounces back to victory
American Chris Carter earned his most impressive victory of the season, triumphing in the triple jump event at the MEETING de PARIS.
Walsh in fine form as MEETING de PARIS gets off to record start
Olympic shot put bronze medallist Tom Walsh won the first event of the MEETING de PARIS, courtesy of an impressive 22m throw – a new meeting record.
Press point Mahiedine Mekhissi (3 000 m)
I’m a little tired after Rio Olympics, because I’m jetlagged and I had a lot of media request since our return. I’m here to celebrate our medals with the french crowd. I want to have fun and enjoy the Stade de France for the last time. I’m tired but I hope everybody will be as tired as me, so we can have a normal race. Anyway, I will fight and give all I have. I don’t have any time in mind, I will think about having a good position at last. It’s very important for me to run on 3000 m flat on Saturday, because I want to achieve a strong performance in Brussels. Having 3 Olympics medals is unique and historic. It proves that I’ve been very consistent for the last 10 years.
Press point Christophe Lemaitre (100 m)
The trip back from Rio has been tough, I had some trouble with air conditioning. So now, I’m a little in the hard. I have been motivated all along the season, even in difficult times. There was no reason that doesn’t go out. It came at the best time, in Rio. I left Rio very happy, with no regrets. But I’m already back to earth, because my career is not done, I still have great things to achieve. I’m gonna start the race on Saturday evening on 100 m with no pressure at all. I got what I wanted, so I’m relieved and I can run easily. Now I want to keep that kind of mood for the future, running without asking myself too much questions, not focusing on a result but doing what it needs to deliver. I also come for the french crowd. A lot of people stayed late and woke up early to support us. I want to thank them.
Press point Mélina Robert-Michon (discus)
I did not think that my medal had such an impact in France. I have been very touched by the welcome. In my parent’s village, half of the population was present at my return. Having a medal was the only thing which mattered to me from the beginning of the season. It was the only goal I had in mind. I managed to do one training since my return, some throws and stretching. It was not easy, but it helped me to realize that nothing changed. On Saturday evening, I will not have the shape I got in Rio, but I hope not to be too far. My warm up then the first attempt will give me a good indication on my potential.
Press point Tianna Bartoletta & Ivana Spanovic
Tianna Bartoletta, USA, Long jump I feel better than in Lausanne. The Games were hard on me because of the different rounds and the surprise three rounds in the 4x100 relay. I’m going to stay focus on jumping as best as I can and try to get to 7 metres tomorrow. Ivana Spanovic, Serbia, Long jump I can say that I was a bit disappointed in Rio, it was emotional for me. But I need to stay professional and to be focused on my job. I did my best to win again yesterday. This will be my second time here in Paris, and of course I’ll do everything I can to be as close as I can to 7 metres, especially since I’m still angry from my performance at the Games.
Press point Kendra Harrison (100m Hurdles)
I feel pretty good right now. Last night it had been a while since I competed for the last time. I want to finish my season strong. I watched all of the Olympic Games, and watching the 100m hurdles made me want to train even harder. I’m now stronger, fitter and faster than during the US trials. I think I can still improve some points to beat my personal record. Last night I didn’t have the start I wanted but I had the ending I wanted. If I have a both it can be a great race tomorrow. I think it’s possible to run under 12 seconds, that’s what I’m training for.
Press Point Sandra Perkovic (discus)
I’m a bit tired as Rio was exhausting. I only had one attempt in the qualifications and in the final there, so I want to get all of my 6 attempts clear tomorrow. I’ll give my best. Here in France you have Melina (Robert-Michon) who’s in great shape as she beat the national record at the Games. I need to be very prepared as she will try to beat me in front of her public. My goal will be to throw 68m minimum.
Press point Jimmy Vicaut (100 m)
The Games are still a small disappointment. 9’91 for the bronze, it’s a time I could have run in the final. Four years ago I’m out in the semi-finals, this year I get into the final, I hope that in four years I’ll do much better than 7th. Until then I’m hoping for a good performance in London next year. Tomorrow I want to enjoy running. Between the jet lag and the late return to France on the 23rd it will be difficult. But I want to make the French public happy. Depending on the result we’ll see for the rest of the season and the Diamond League race.
Press point Pierre-Ambroise Bosse (800 m)
There’s nothing like the Olympics. It was fantastic. I enjoyed everything, before, during and after the competition. I’m very proud of what I accomplished. From a sporting perspective, I don’t have any regrets. I’ll go grab a medal in Tokyo. Today I’m not in the same shape as I was a few days ago. I’m going to focus on the Diamond League points now. I’m at home, it’s great, especially in front of the French public that’s close to my heart. I’m going to be calculating now. I have 26 points, Cheruiyot has 30 and the American has 10. The final will be in Brussels where the points will count double. The race will be between the three of us I think.