Christine Arron after the 100 meters: “It was a beautiful race. It felt a bit like the World Championship final since all the top competitors were there. Of course, I’m disappointed because I didn’t win. I did my best time, the start wasn’t too bad. It’s a small regret not having won, there was a hundredth of a second difference. It’s my best race of the year in terms of time, and it was my last, so I finished on a high note.”
“This year, I had a good comeback. It had been a long time since I felt capable of achieving these performances. I felt really fit all year and now I’ve reached my peak form. At the World Championship, I was in good shape but lacked speed. However, it’s been a good year, consistently running under 11 seconds. My goals for next year are to remain consistent under 11 seconds and improve my time.”
Christine Arron after the 200 meters: “Running the two races in two days, I knew it would be hard. But I still feel in shape. Now I’m on vacation. It’s a pity though because I was very close to my record on 200 meters but I couldn’t beat it.”
“The medals at the World Championship, I haven’t fully realized it yet. It’s more relief than joy. The joy will come a bit later when I have time to reflect on it.”
Salim Sdiri after the long jump competition: “Vacation will be after Shanghai but it will be tough. I already felt like I was on vacation today. I had to assure a minimum but I really struggled. I didn’t have the right feel, I had trouble adjusting myself. In fact, I fouled on my first two attempts. I managed 8.05 meters on the last try. My goal today was to beat the Finn (laughs).”
“I’m satisfied with my fifth place in Helsinki. For the past two years, I’ve been making the best European performances. Next year, I’ll be disappointed if I only finish third at the European Championships.”
Ronald Pognon after his 100 meters: “I’m happy to be consistently running under 10.10 seconds. I finished fifth but the race was very tight. I need to confirm this record under 10 seconds. There’s still Shanghai.”
“The atmosphere here in Monaco is heartwarming, and being present in this race, where the best sprinters are competing, proves that I am among the best. For 2006, my goal is to improve my time. But now, it’s almost vacation time. The West Indies aren’t on the schedule because I’ve decided not to fly. Probably a cruise instead.”