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Mondo Duplantis
“What I love in sport is the pursuit of greatness : being the best version of myself. There’s nothing fun in sports if you don’t have goals. The fun thing is giving an effort to achieve your goal. Losing is not fun ! Since I am a kid, losing is the end of the world, everytime. I just don’t allow myself to lose. But not that time in Stockholm. I felt different than after my previous losses. It was an unusual feeling. And then I just got married. Not to make any excuse, but my mind was not completely in pole vault at that time, because of the ceremony coming shortly after that. I feel very focus now, very refreshed. I turn the page on a new and beautiful chapter of my life. I feel super motivated, very hungry, and very married ! My last performances were pretty poor, but it’s a new start of the season for me. I’ve jumped very high in warm conditions in the past, it’s not a problem for me. The thing is that fatigue can set in if you take too many jumps, you have to be very focus at every attempt. My mind is at the world record, even if the most important is to win. With all these strong guys around, I will not be surprised if we end up attacking the world record.”
Noah Lyles
“My goal this season is still to have fun and provide greatest performances everywhere I go. I don’t think about Bolt’s records. My goal every day, every month and every year is to be better than yesterday. All I can control is myself. With Jordan Anthony, I have to prove everyday that I am the faster guy in the group, that’s something I love. Facing Marcell Jacobs, the previous Olympic champion ? The question is him, not for me ! Is he ready ? I’m ready to go, they have to step up for the challenge. I proved what I had to prove in Roma. To me, the big point for sunday is beating Jordan, and winning. Time doesn’t mean anything for the American watchers. Most important thing is to win. And what is a PB if I get beaten ? Who remembers the ones who lost ?”
Audrey Werro
“My time in Stockholm was incredible; I didn’t expect to achieve that this year-I thought it would happen further down the line. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years, and I’m now much better equipped tactically and mentally for competition. It’s paying off this year. Before the race against Keely in Stockholm, I convinced myself that I was the best and capable of winning. That was the only thing on my mind when the going got tough in the final meters. Having Femke (Bol) with us is great; it makes our event even more exciting for everyone-athletes and spectators alike. The track looks fast, and we’re in good shape. I’m very confident and approach races the same way, even if my status has changed a bit. The strategy for Sunday is pretty simple: follow the pacemaker for as long as possible and hold on. The target pace is world-record speed.”
Femke Broeders-Bol
“It’s a big mind change to switch from 400 m hurdles to 800 m, and it means a lot of changes in the training, and in the way of racing with everybody in the same lane. In terms of pressure, it’s pretty similar. I always put pressure on myself, it helps me to perform and I like that. Racing against Audrey (Werro) and Keely (Hodgkinson) is the best way to discover this new distance, you need to be open-minded. It’s fun, I pretty much feel like a junior. I’m very excited for my first race in Diamond League in the 800 m. It’s a different kind of configuration when you race against girls running 1’54’’ or among a pack of girls running 1’57’’. Running in a pack is something new for me. Weather and atmosphere will be great in the stadium. I have to be smart during the race with what I am capable to do in a race where Audrey will chase the world record, to not make a mess of my race.”
Cyréna Samba-Mayela
“I can’t wait to be back in front of the French crowd. They are the best audience I’ve ever known, and I’ve missed them terribly. Last year, I came out just to greet the fans; it did me a world of good-it was a different kind of experience. They showed me so much love. I’m just eager to perform for them and feel their energy. I’m happy with my start to the season. That said, the 12.50 I ran last week is just a stepping stone. The women ahead of me are very fast; my event keeps evolving, and I need to close the gap. Last year, I went through a really dark time. I had lost my bearings, but ultimately, that period helped me regain my confidence and gain experience.”
Jimmy Gressier
“I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of racing in Paris. It’s the best Diamond League meet in terms of atmosphere, and I can’t wait to get back on the blue track. Setting the French record in Montreuil showed me I was ready, even though I know I can run even faster. I don’t feel any pressure; it’s going to be a great battle. My rivals will all be hungry for the win. People look at me differently now. A podium finish is no longer enough for me; I’m aiming to beat everyone.”