Adrian “Tripp” Piperi, Discus
(World Youth Championships gold medalist, shot put)
 
On his progression of throws and the competition overall
“Well, they were all not good. The last one was okay. I actually made it, and I’m just really happy that I made it. I’m really actually surprised. Today was hard because I’m really not awake yet. Tomorrow at the finals I will be fine though.”
 
Tara Davis, Triple Jump
 
On her progression of jumps
The first jump I wasn’t really prepared for. I was very nervous with it. Then the second jump, I scratched; I caught the foot foul. Then on the third jump, I was like, “Okay, this is my last chance that can get me into the finals,” and I just did it.
 
On preparations before the final
“I will probably just stay off of my feet for a little bit. I’ll probably try to focus in on what I just did and watch the video my mom recorded to just try to replay everything that just happened.
 
On what it was like to compete against the world as she represented Team USA
“It’s something I can’t really explain because it’s hard to, but it was just fantastic.”
 
Candace Hill, 200m
(World Youth Championships gold medalist, 100m)
 
On the race and her 200m strategy
“We had some technical difficulties, so we had to wait at the start for like 10 minutes, but I stayed relaxed and warmed-up. Since it was the prelims, I was going to take it easy - go hard the first 50 and then coast the last 150.”
 
On what she is looking forward to heading into the semifinals
“Working on my starts and also working on my finishes.”
 
On whether or not the excitement from winning gold yesterday has carried into today
“It’s carrying me through, but I still can’t believe I won yesterday.”
 
Lauren Rain Williams, 200m
 
On her race strategy
“The coaches wanted me to just get out and relax down the (final) stretch, which I was able to do. Just getting first and being able to go to the next round is really great. I’ve been feeling really loose, and I’ve been ready to run since Tuesday, so it was really great to be able to be out here.”
 
On competing against athletes from other countries
“It’s just so exciting just to know that eventhough we are all from different places, we all do the same thing and they’re just like us.
 
On what it means to compete for Team USA
“It’s different than just competing for myself. It’s competing for the whole country, so I’m just really happy to do that and to make USA proud.”
 
Gabriel Oladipo, Discus
 
On competing today
“I was a little nervous to begin with. I mean this is a competition unlike any other I have ever faced before, but it was very good for me. Luckily I was able to qualify on my last throw automatically, by hitting the standard.I’m just happy I was able to pull through.”
 
On representing Team USA and competing against athletes from all over the world
“It’s surreal. I still don’t think it has set in yet. I’ve been here for three weeks, and I don’t think I’ve realized how big of a deal it is. it’s just crazy to think that everyone who is around you is the best from where they come from, and you’re all competing against each other now.”
 
Josephus Lyles, 200m
(Also competing in 400m finals)
 
On a fast opening semifinal heat
“I got out really well, and then when I came off on the straightaway I felt really powerful for about 50 meters, then I tried to start cruising it just to not waste too much energy because I have the 400 finals later today.”
 
On what he is looking forward to in the 400m final
“Definitely just the competition here. I’m leaving everything on the track. When I get finished, I want to be laid out on the track dead.”
 
Maxwell Willis, 200m
 
On the race overall
I had a bad start because I kept tripping. I know I need to fix that for finals. I feel fortunate to make it to the next round.
 
Zach Shugart, Pole Vault
 
On competing against other countries
“It was fun. It was really fun. Just seeing all these great vaulters from different countries was a really cool experience.”
 
On what it means to represent Team USA
“It feels great just to represent and wear this uniform. It was a just a blessing and it was fun to compete here.”