Press Conference Transcripts

WOMEN’S JAVELIN Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Barbora Spotakova (CZE) - 64.41

It was an awesome feeling to get a gold medal tonight after the birth of my son last year. However, I’m not really proud of the performance. I don’t know how to explain it. It was just a bad day.

After so many easy wins at the 66m level this year, you have to worry about the bad day that will eventually come. You just hope that it won’t be in the European Championships.

I already had a silver and bronze from past European Championships, so it was good to finally complete my set with a gold tonight. Somebody upstairs must like me.

Childbirth didn’t change me much. I stayed active and focused throughout my pregnancy. My shape came back very fast as a result. Tonight, my son was at the stadium. I don’t think it was the best idea because he was crying a lot.

Tonight, the Letzigrund Stadium seemed almost like an entirely different place than for my Weltklasse appearances. I’ve never had very good Diamond League competitions here in Zurich, and it was in my mind tonight.

Silver: Tatjana Jelaca (SRB) - 64.21 NR

I had a very good throwing season this year, and I felt I could throw a PB and national record. This is my first senior medal.

Tonight I gave my supreme effort in the fifth round and achieved my goal of a national record. I actually was in the lead at that moment, but Barbora showed what a champion she is moments later by taking over the lead. Still, this silver medal was good for me and my country. It was inspired by Ivana Spanovic’s silver in the long jump last night.

Bronze: Linda Stahl (GER) - 63.91

Of course, after having the lead for four rounds, I wanted more. But it just didn’t happen. The conditions were good in warmup. There was a little rain but I knew it would pass by the time of the competition.

MEN’S TRIPLE JUMP Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Benjamin Compaoré (FRA) - 17.46 (European leader)

The climatic conditions were best during the first round, and I think that is why we all had our best efforts tonight at the very beginning. It’s very satisfying for me to be the first French triple jump champion at the European Championships.

I had several passes in the second half of the competition tonight. My body is not in the best shape at the moment, and I was fearing some injury. But the triple jump is a crazy event. I realized the risks of not answering the attempts of the others. I actually was quite worried near the end, but everything came out well.

Silver: Lyukman Adams (RUS) - 17.09

I’m satisfied with my result. One month ago I was barely walking. I, too, was surprised by my first jump. During the competition I had some technical issues, so I’m happy that I was able to get through the night with a medal and continue the long Russian triple-jumping tradition.

Bronze: Aleksey Fyodorov (RUS) - 17.04

I think that the wind changed after the third round and was negative for most of the remaining jumps. This definitely affected the competition.

But right now, negative emotions are prevailing in my mind. I came here after good training and good season statistics, so I was expecting more than I gave. After some time, however, I think I will look back happily on today.

MEN’S 110 METRES HURDLES Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Sergey Shubenkov (RUS) - 13.18

My general impressions about tonight? It was very tough. I had a hard struggle against some very good hurdlers. I wasn’t sure I was going to win until the very end. I’m super happy with everything. But the nagging goal, as it is with most good hurdlers, is to run a sub-13.

Silver: William Sharman (GBR)—13.26

I have mixed emotions. In the second half of the race, I lost concentration. I thought I had already won. I hit a hurdle, and the others came closer. I just dug in for the last barriers and came away with the silver.

It was a good day, however. In the two races, I registered a PB and also won a silver medal. It has been my most successful season so far. I just came away from the Commonwealth Games which had a different atmosphere. There were good hurdlers there, to be sure, but they mostly were not the ones I encounter in the Diamond League events. Here in Zurich, I was becoming reunited with the usual competitors I see during most of the outdoor season.

Bronze: Pascal Martinot-Lagarde (FRA) - 13.28

My race was horrible. I had a good heat and semifinal. My semifinal time would have won the gold. I touched Sergey in the final and I think it affected me more than I expected.

But I have no regrets. Injuries kept me out of both the London Olympics and the Moscow World Championships. This is the first year I have really been in good shape. In my mind, it is all or nothing. I either win gold or I win nothing. Still, I was pleased to be rewarded with the bronze.

WOMEN’S POLE VAULT Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Anzhelika Sidorova (RUS) - 4.65

This night was very important for me because I had a tough season. It was a fine ending to the season. I did not jump at 4.70 (after I was assured of the win) because I was so full of emotions. I saw no real purpose in it.

We are now a new generation after Yelena Isinbaeva, so we need to continue her tradition. Naturally all of us are thinking about the ‘magic’ five metres.

Silver: Ekaterini Stefanidi (GRE) - 4.60

I had a rough time in warmups because I was still a little tired from the qualifying round. But it was exciting for me tonight because it was my first medal as a senior. I had lots of success during my younger years, but it was a little difficult during those years after I emerged from the junior category.

Right now I’m being coached by Nick Hysong (Sydney pole vault gold medallist), and it was difficult for me tonight because he could not be here. Fortunately, Tina Sutej’s coach from Slovenia was able to help out.

What was missing at 4.65? Luck, mostly. On several of the jumps, I thought I had it. But I have no regrets. I’m not upset. I wasn’t feeling too good today, and I still jumped 4.60. I can’t complain.

Bronze: Angelina Zhuk-Krasnova (RUS) - 4.60

I was very happy this day happened. I had some difficulties during the season after having good early competitions. I got ill, and I did not perform well at the Russian Championships. So, with all I had to go through, I’m happy to be sitting here tonight.

There was a technical issue at 4.55 and I was awarded a substitute jump.

WOMEN’S 20K RACE WALK Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Elmira Alembekova (RUS) - 1:27:56

Everything went according to plan. The toughest moment was at the moment when three of us were all walking together with about 2K remaining. It’s true that I had success at the junior level, but for some years I was not at aable to make the senior teams. I don’t want to say too much about the future, but I will try to stay on my country’s international team in the coming years.

Silver: Lyudmyla Olyanovska (UKR)—1:28:07

It was also difficult for me when we top three were fighting each other together in the latter stages. At the end, I was satisfied with the silver. I got great support from my coach, my teammates and also the people back in Ukraine.

Our team prepared in the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine and also at the Olympic Training Center in Koncha-Zaspa.

The last two nights I dreamed only of walking, but it was of ‘very heavy’ walking. Fortunately, that did not happen today. I was happy to have the support of our 50K walkers today, and I’ll be here tomorrow supporting them in their competition.

Bronze: Anezka Drahotova (CZE)—1:28:08

This medal is very important to me because it is at the senior level (Drahotova is still a junior.) The time was not as fast as I had expected.

I’m happy to have this bronze medal, but perhaps I am a little disappointed not to have a silver (lost out by one second). In the 18th kilometer I was thinking about the gold, but the last 400-600m were difficult. I looked at my reflection in a store window and I didn’t see Lyudmyla (Olyanovska), so it was a surprise when I was passed at the end.

I’ll switch to cycling in the fall. Now I will take some rest here and support my teammates the rest of the week.

WOMEN’S 20K RACE WALK Medal Press Conference transcript (Thursday, 14 August)

Gold: Elmira Alembekova (RUS) - 1:27:56

Everything went according to plan. The toughest moment was at the moment when three of us were all walking together with about 2K remaining. It’s true that I had success at the junior level, but for some years I was not at aable to make the senior teams. I don’t want to say too much about the future, but I will try to stay on my country’s international team in the coming years.

Silver: Lyudmyla Olyanovska (UKR) - 1:28:07

It was also difficult for me when we top three were fighting each other together in the latter stages. At the end, I was satisfied with the silver. I got great support from my coach, my teammates and also the people back in Ukraine.

Our team prepared in the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine and also at the Olympic Training Center in Koncha-Zaspa.

The last two nights I dreamed only of walking, but it was of ‘very heavy’ walking. Fortunately, that did not happen today. I was happy to have the support of our 50K walkers today, and I’ll be here tomorrow supporting them in their competition.

Bronze: Anezka Drahotova (CZE) - 1:28:08

This medal is very important to me because it is at the senior level (Drahotova is still a junior.) The time was not as fast as I had expected.

I’m happy to have this bronze medal, but perhaps I am a little disappointed not to have silver (lost out by one second). In the 18th kilometer I was thinking about the gold, but the last 400-600m were difficult. I looked at my reflection in a store window and I didn’t see Lyudmyla (Olyanovska), so it was a surprise when I was passed at the end.

I’ll switch to cycling in the fall. Now I will take some rest here and support my teammates the rest of the week.

MEN’S 100 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: James Dasaolu (GBR) - 10.06

I would have liked a faster time. But a championship race is about executing and winning. There were lots of distractions today with the delays.

I didn’t like my start. But I stayed patient and eventually was able to sprint away from the field.

February was a down period in my career with a hamstring injury which kept me out of the World Indoors. But here I am as the European Champion. I cannot be disappointed.

Silver: Christophe Lemaitre (FRA) - 10.13

Today was a bit complicated for me. I had good warmups, but I wasn’t able to really run my best in the semis and the final. I was disappointed only to win the silver.

Regarding the change in the track construction here, I have to stay focused on the race and not worry about the construction of the track.

Bronze: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (GBR) - 10.22

Like James, I would have liked a faster time, but I’m happy to have a medal. In these same championships in 2012, I tore my hamstring and it kept me out of the London Olympics. So it is good to have another go.

We have good cohesion in our British sprint group. We are not out to beat each other, but we’re trying to beat the world.

MEN’S DISCUS Medal Press Conference transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Robert Harting (GER) - 66.07

It was difficult today because the several delays in the call room served to destroy my rhythm. Also, most of us found the ring slippery in a strange way. For me, I had lots of doubts after my first two throws, but I got my rhythm back again in the third round for my best throw of the day.

After the third round, the rain started again so I passed my fourth throw because I thought the 66.07 had put me in a good position. In the end I am happy to win, but not particularly proud to do it with this result. Today, it was important to win and not throw far.

Silver: Gerd Kanter (EST) - 64.75

It was a strange competition. It was raining during warmups. The ring was slippery. I almost fell. I wasn’t feeling secure. After yesterday’s prelims, we all thought that the final would be at an extremely high level. After all I went through today, I’m happy to be second. It’s my third silver, and I admit that I’d like to have a different color at some point!

But I know that I have to throw 101% if I’m ever going to beat Robert.

Bronze: Robert Urbanek (POL) - 63.81

When I came to the stadium today I felt ready to fight for a medal, but I didn’t think it would be possible with this result. I really expected to throw farther.

DECATHLON Medal Press Conference transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Andrei Krauchanka (BLR) - 8616 (world leader)

The competition was very tough and long. It was also difficult because we were so equal in ability. The 100m was a tough one for me because I was injured two months ago and could hardly run. I had to be careful not to over-exert myself. Long jump and shot put were good, and my PB 2.22 in the HJ was a big boost. I eased in the 400 to save my leg.

In the hurdles, I felt that my leg was good and that gave me some confidence. I had a good result in the discus, and I was happy with my pole vault result in an event that spanned seven hours with all of the waiting. After a PB in the javelin, I went into the 1500 with confidence. After 800m I strained a muscle in my leg, and I was essentially limping the last 700m.

Silver: Kevin Mayer (FRA)-8521

It was really hard for me these last two days. In the first day, I felt a little pain in my upper leg, and I really wasn’t sure I could finish. Fortunately, my physio did some miracle work for me and I ended up with the silver in my personal best score.

Bronze: Ilya Shkurenyov (RUS) - 8498

The high jump and javelin were the best events for me. I was quite satisfied with a bronze medal in a PB score. I felt that I was able to manage all ten events quite well.

WOMEN’S 100 METRES HURDLES Medal Press Conference transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Tiffany Porter (GBR) - 12.76

I thought I executed well and I came away with my first major championships title. It was very important to me. I’ve had medals before, but no gold medals. Tonight it was also special for me to join the other British athletes—Jo, Mo and James—in the gold medal rush. I still have some things to work on. I must admit that I prefer running the semis and the final on the same day. But you work with what you are given.

Silver: Cindy Billaud (FRA) - 12.79

I made a small mistake at the start, but you never know who the winner will be until the end. I was patient and made a quick and good recovery. The weather conditions were the same for all of us. It was not a problem.

Bronze: Cindy Roleder (GER) - 12.82

Yes, I competed in several heptathlons earlier this year, but I decided to concentrate on the hurdles this year because I still need some work in the throwing events. We have a good training group in the combined events, but to be nominated to a German national team I would need a score of 6300 and that isn’t there yet.

Today, I was fighting hard because I knew the bronze was the principal medal available to me because of the two very good hurdlers who are here with me on the podium.

WOMEN’S LONG JUMP Medal Press Conference Transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Eloyse Lesueur (FRA) - 6.85

It was a peculiar day today. One jump led to my victory. The weather was difficult, but the thing I will remember the most is the win.

A next step, of course, is the World Championships in Beijing, but first I will focus on the European Indoor Championships next year in Prague.

Silver: Ivana Spanovic (SRB) - 6.81

This was my second-ever European Championships, so I’m really satisfied. The conditions were hard to deal with. Rain and wind were my enemies. This is a very important medal for Serbia.

Bronze: Darya Klishina (RUS) - 6.65

It is difficult to say what I was expecting here. But it was my first European Championships, so I am happy with the bronze. I was not happy with the strong wind and rain . . . and also the cold! I like warmer weather. (Klishina trains part of the year in Florida.)

This is my first year with a new coach (Loren Seagrave). I still need some time to adapt. Notwithstanding, I think the season was not bad. I have confidence that I will improve in the coming year.

WOMEN’S 100 METRES Medal Press Conference transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Dafne Schippers (NED) - 11.12

Happy with my race. The weather? Well, you can’t choose the weather. We all coped with it.

This win is really good for Netherlands. Athletics is a small sport there and this will help its visibility. I’ll do the 200 meters (at 10am tomorrow), but next year I will return to the heptathlon. I was honoured to join Fanny Blankers-Koen as a Dutch champion in the European 100 metres.

Silver: Myriam Soumaré (FRA) - 11.16

I had a good start and I finished well. I was happy to win the silver. I do prefer the 200m over the 100m because I know how to manage it. But I hope that this success will open more doors in the shorter event.

Bronze: Ashleigh Nelson (GBR) - 11.22

I am honoured to have won the first British 100m medal in the last 40 years. To succeed in such a championships setting, it’s a matter of running consistently. That is what I focused on with my coach. I came here with the intention of winning a medal and I achieved that goal with a bronze.

MEN’S 10000 METRES Medal Press Conference Transcript (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Mo Farah (GBR) - 28:08.11

I really prefer the 10K to the 5K. It’s longer and it’s easier to get into the race. This medal tonight meant a lot because it came so soon after my Commonwealth Games but even more so because of the health problems I had at a training camp earlier. I got ill, had a tooth removed and it got infected. I was in the hospital four days, and they thought it was something related to my heart. Finally, the doctors had no diagnosis for what my problems were.

I kept this information private with my family and my coach. I didn’t want my competition to know how much training I had missed for fear it might backfire in their race tactics.

Tonight, I wasn’t worried in the last lap. I’ve learned a lot over the years.

Silver: Andy Vernon (GBR) - 28:08.66

Why was I able to win? I guess because I have a bigger chest!

After the 3K, we settled in well and were really just waiting for the end of the race. The weather? I’ve definitely had worse. I think the enclosed stadium here kept the wind problems to a minimum tonight.

On the final straight tonight, I tried to creep down on the inside, but the gap suddenly closed. I had to do a stutter step outside to get some space. Luckily it paid off in the end.

It’s rewarding to me that now I have had success in both cross-country and on the track. I started in cross-country, and I always thought I would have more medal success there. Now I can say that I have a balanced career. There’s more to come.

Bronze: Ali Kaya (TUR) - 28:08.72

Tonight I was trying to beat the British runners, but I wasn’t able to do it. Perhaps I will change my tactics in the 5K. [NOTE: All three medallists will meet again in the 5000m later in the week.]

MEN’S 20K RACE WALK Media Press Conference (Wednesday, 13 August)

Gold: Miguel Angel Lopez (ESP) - 1:19.44

This has been a good start for Spain here (after silver in men’s shot put last night). The race today was difficult. I controlled my speed up to 10K, and then increased it to 15K. But for the last two kilometers everyone was competing well. It was a real fight at the end. Over the last 200 metres, it

seemed as if any of four walkers could have won.

The weather was perfect for us. The rain stopped just before the finish when it really mattered.

This win was very important for the Spanish walking tradition.

Silver: Aleksandr Ivanov (RUS) - 1:19.45

The course had too many turns and was not optimal for the walkers. However the weather was good.

After my win in Moscow last year, I was hoping for a win. I need to work more and go back and analyze my race here. My goal is to succeed next year at the World Championships and also in Rio.

Regarding my young age at the moment, it’s not important who is young or who is old. What is important is the work that you do.

Bronze: Denis Strelkov (RUS) - 1:19.46

It was so close at the finish. We really came to a fight at the end. I didn’t know where I had finished until I saw the official results. (Won bronze by 0.2 seconds over fourth placer.)

We are on the right path. I have improved my PB two times this season. Now it is time for me to fight for a medal at the World Championships.

MEN’S SHOT PUT Medal Press Conference (Tuesday, 12 August)

Gold: David Storl (GER) - 21.41

I lost my technique after my first throw and could not improve. I had a little pain in my knee on my second throw. Overall I was not happy with the result tonight because of my knee and my technique. But, of course, I’m happy with the win. I’m already looking forward to the next European Championships.

(On his missing Olympic gold medal). The World Championships in 2015 is the next step to the Olympics. For my other goal of a 22-metre throw, perhaps that will still come this season in Thun.

Silver: Borja Vivas (ESP) - 20.86

I always dreamed about a medal in a big competition, and I’m very proud to be the first Spaniard (man or woman) to achieve one in a European Championships throwing event. I really didn’t think I could get second ahead of Majewski. It’s true that my technique and strength both improved this year, but it was really my mental approach that made the big difference.

It’s true that my past performances outside of Spain have not measured up to my marks in domestic meetings. I hope that tonight is the start of good international competitions fo me.

Bronze: Tomasz Majewski (POL) - 20.83

I am a ‘little happy’. I actually was expecting a silver medal but it didn’t happen this time. At my age, I simply have to be pleased with a bronze medal. I may compete in Amsterdam (in 2016). But after Rio, I think I will start my ‘happy retirement’.

Tonight wasn’t really bad, but I did not feel had had one really good throw. It’s true that I was the only one of those on the podium to have six legal throws, but unfortunately there is no medal for that.

Storl is the man of the present. It would be great to beat him when we meet later this season in Thun.

WOMEN’S 10000 METRES Medal Press Conference (Tuesday, 12 August)

Gold: Jo Pavey (GBR) - 32:22.39

After Glasgow (bronze in Commonwealth 5K), I knew it was going to get tricky to combine the two Championships in a short time. I thought the 5K at the Commonwealth would help my sharpness, and I’m pleased with the outcome.

The whole thing seems surreal this year. I didn’t know I would qualify for any championships after childbirth last year. I was still breast-feeding in April. But I’m happy to have a supportive husband. I’ve been a busy mom, it gives me endurance.

Tonight, my entire family was in the stadium. Even my 11-month-old child stayed attentive throughout my race. It’s her first time to see me in a major championship.

The race tonight seemed quite long to me, really. I tried to keep focus. As the race wound down, I told myself ‘This is how a 10K is supposed to feel at the end.’ I was happy to win.

This season has inspired me to keep running. I’m not going to retire soon. But I’ll take one day at a time. Rio is still in sight. It’s ironic that my running has allowed me to have more time with my family. I’ve been lucky with that. I’ve got my kids now. I don’t need to worry about any of those pregnancy breaks in the coming years, so I can focus on running.

Yes, I do plan to do the 5K here later this week. Tomorrow I probably will hardly be able to walk. But after winning the 10K, I can go out and enjoy the 5K.

Silver: Clémence Calvin (FRA) - 32:23.58

This was only my second 10K on a track, so as I was running tonight, I was gaining experience with each lap. I was patient with myself. When I decided to go at the end, I had confidence. The next time, I hope it’s gold and not silver.

When Jo went into her final kick tonight, I tried to stay in contact. I was not successful today but I hope for the future. I will try more track races, from 1500 metres on up, to get experience. I’m still young (24) and it was my goal to be in the podium tonight.

Bronze: Laila Traby (FRA) - 32:26.03

(Also her second 10K race). I was not surprised with my medal because I was well prepared. Earlier in my career I had a break when I had children. After that I emigrated from Morocco to begin representing France. I knew I had a good finish tonight, and it brought me the bronze.