Mondo DUPLANTIS - Pole vault
I love the atmosphere in Monaco. I'm used to its climate, heat and humidity because I grew up in Louisiana. I haven't been in Monaco for a long time, so I'm really happy to be here. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow and of course one of my goals is to get the meeting record. In 2020, the competition was very special. It was the biggest crowd of the year and for us athletes it was the most exhilarating meeting. It is possible to jump 6m30. The conditions have to be just right and that could be the case in Monaco, I know I can do it. You can't make progress without the crazy dreams you pursue.
Karsten WARHOLM - 400m hurdles
The only guarantee I can give is that I'll do my best tomorrow, just like the others. We all motivate each other. Records are being broken, but we don't know how long they'll last. There are a lot of excellent athletes. You can't control what they do, the only thing you can do is run. I've already set a record, so I know it's possible. One day someone will beat it, we just don't know when. Medals last forever, records don’t.
Alison DOS SANTOS - 400m hurdles
A few months ago, I injured myself. I wanted to continue competing, but I have to look after my health to be able to take part in the Olympics, there's no time to lose. Today, I'm happy to be in good health. I had a great time here in 2021, I love the track and I'll try to do my best tomorrow. You always dream of breaking records; it can happen at any given moment, but you can't predict these things. You just have to work hard and give it your all. I’m in good shape and I'm expecting good results tomorrow.
Sydney MCLAUGHIN-LEVRONE - 400m
I'm not really thinking about becoming the 400m world champion, I just want to see what I can achieve in this discipline. It's a coincidence that I made the change before the championships, the title isn't my main goal. I'm mainly thinking about improving. Not many athletes make this change, it's quite bold. I like to understand how they came to this decision. I've talked about it with a few of them, Michael Johnson in particular, I really value the opinions of former athletes. I get a lot of encouragement from them, which is good for me. It also puts a bit of pressure on me, but if others believe in it, then it must be possible.
Shericka JACKSON - 200m
Last year I set my personal best in Monaco, so I'm happy to be here again, this time in the 200m. Being crowned world champion has made me a different athlete. It doesn't put any particular pressure on me, every season is different and has to be approached consequently, but I do want to keep my title, and I'm working hard this season to achieve my goal.
Gabrielle THOMAS - 200m
I beat my personal best at the national championships, which is the sign I’m in great shape for Budapest. Last year, I was injured and I overdid it after the Olympics, but I've learnt from my mistakes and reviewed my priorities. The main one is to be healthy. I want to get into the USA team. Only then will I push as hard as I can. I've also learnt to take better care of my body. Athletics is a very intense sport, and a lot of people can’t relate to the pressure that athletes go through. As an athlete, you have to gain perspective by doing things outside of sport. The consequences of winning and losing are very extreme, so as an athlete, you have to take care of your mental health.
Jaydon HIBBERT - Triple jump
I admire all the athletes here. I often tell my coach that I want to do exactly what they do! Tomorrow, I have to stay focused, but I know that I also have to enjoy myself in order to perform, I want to have fun. The athletes here are incredible and very consistent. I'm still a newbie so I want to make the most of this experience and learn. I'm going to do my best, "all smiles and dances", as my coach says.
Ackelia SMITH - Long jump
In Jamaica, there are mainly sprinters, so people weren't very familiar with long jump, but my experience was very positive, and they're very encouraging. I want to set an example for kids in my country. We want to continue Usain Bolt's legacy, to be a point of reference for young athletes. I'm eighteen years old and I'm taking part in my first Diamond League, so I'm very happy to share a word with everybody. I have an incredible opportunity thanks to my sport, which has taught me discipline and self-fulfillment.
