Kellyn Taylor, women’s 5,000m bronze medalist
 
On going out strong and leading into the last lap
“Right from the gun, it didn’t seem like anybody wanted to take it. To make the race at least somewhat honest, I just decided to take it and I think I was pretty much consistently going 74-75 (seconds) for a good portion of the race. Then I started to crumble a little bit, and then that last lap, ultimately they had the kick and I didn’t.”
 
On the experience of competing at the Pan American Games
I feel really honored to have been able to compete here. Nonetheless medal. It’s a great thing, and I’m happy to have had this in my career and possibly have a stepping stone toward the Olympic trials next year.
 
Barbara Pierre, women’s 100m heat winner
 
On winning her 100m heat today
“I’m just taking each race round by round, focussing on executing and nothing else. I keep telling myself that my goal is to just go out there and have fun and execute my race, and that’s exactly what I did here today.”
 
On preparations heading into the semifinals
“I’m just focussing on the next round. I can’t think about the finals if I don’t get through the semis. “
 
Morolake Akinosun, women’s 100m heat winner
 
On winning her heat today
“It was a really good race for me. It was my first race since USAs, so this is a good place to open back up, and I’m excited to be here.”
 
On moving on to semifinals
“I think that I can do really well at this meet, and I feel really good.”
 
Remontay McClain, men’s 100m heat winner
 
“I got out. I was kind of a little bit hesitant and stayed in the blocks because the first time there was a false start (in this race). I was little nervous after that, so I just took it safe. I didn’t want to do anything extra. Got out, started my drive phase, got my top-end speed, sold it, and I’m moving into the semis.”
 
BeeJay Evans, men’s 100m heat winner
“My coach teaches us when the gun goes off - run because you never know what’s going to happen. For awhile, I thought they were going to keep the race but they didn’t, so I’m use to having to have that race too, but I can bounce back.”
 
 
“The first one was kind of like the 4x1 for me. The second one was the real deal, so I was warmed up and ready to go. I just hope that I’m ready to go tomorrow too.”
 
Marquise Goodwin, long jump qualifier
 
“That was the plan - one and done. I don’t have a significant thing prep thing I do at each meet, I just try to do something different, really.  I really don’t like to be in routines so that I don’t get myself psyched out.”
 
Shamier Little, 400mH
 
“I think it was a pretty good race. I finally got to put together my alternating my leg, and I did a little better with that than in my other races, so I ran a good prelim time.
 
Mark Hollis, pole vault co-bronze medalist
 
“It felt good. I wish I could have gone a little bit higher, but I’m really happy to bring a medal back for USA.”
 
“I’m going to Mexico for a couple street meets. Going to keep training and keep competing before I move my attention to training for Rio.”
 
“It was really neat. I loved the atmosphere, the people of Toronto are really friendly. The village is great. It’s just a great experience.”
 
 
Jake Blankenship, pole vault co-bronze medalist
 
“I’m a young one, so I’ve got to learn when they give you time to warm up, I have to learn how to be efficient and get to the right poles with the right amount of time. I learned a good lesson and jumped with a lot of good people, so I had a lot of fun and I’m glad to be a part of it. I’m happy to bring in another medal for the U.S.”
 
“It’s an awesome experience. It’s a great meet and a lot bigger than I thought it was. There are a lot of great athletes, especially in pole vault. It’s great to get experience jumping with these guys, and it’s going to be a long career jumping with all of them.”