FINA World Championships Top Quotes: Day Three

townley-haas-usa-cupping-2017-world-champs

Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA

Editorial Coverage provided by

Check out quotes and audio interviews from athletes who posted impressive performances on the third day of the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary!

“I breathe to my left, so I couldn’t see Sun Yang, but I could see James Guy’s arms, so I just tried to stay ahead of him.” — Townley Haas (USA), after men’s 200 free final (silver, 1:45.04)

“I totally chilled, let the adrenaline take me. Obviously a 100 back hurts at the end, regardless, so I thought I would go out the best I could, just try to stay calm and let the crowd carry me.” — Kathleen Baker (USA), after women’s 100 back final (silver, 58.58)

“To have Kylie go the world record in my heat is pretty incredible. That record stood for a while—it’s suit-era—so I think that’s really setting the tone for backstrokers.” — Baker, on Kylie Masse breaking the world record in the 100 back

“I think my legs just started to hurt really bad during the middle of that second 50. But it was still a great race, best time.” — Olivia Smoliga (USA), after women’s 100 back final (fourth, 58.77)

“This morning, I wasn’t prepared to do a world record. It was me easing for my stroke, touching the wall, advance to the semi-final. Same thing tonight. I was on such a massive high from the morning, and it was hard to ignore that I did a world record in the morning and try to get myself emotionally ready.” — Adam Peaty (GBR), after men’s 100 breast semi-finals (qualified first, 25.95 WR)

“Not super happy. That’s bout as concise as I can put it right there… You’re never going to be happy when it comes down to a tenth, and you’re third out of that. It’s a good indicator for my 200 back. That’s just been a bit more comfortable this year.” — Ryan Murphy (USA), after men’s 100 back final (bronze, 52.59)

“When you’re in that race, you want to win. When you’re that close, you want to win. But second is awesome… Just the way I trained this year, I think there’s more to come.” — Matt Grevers (USA), after men’s 100 back final (silver, 52.48)

“We wanted to one-two it. We talked about it a little bit. We like being on top of the podium.” — Grevers, after he and Murphy finished behind Xu Jiayu in the 100 back

“I’m relaxed. I found the right about of nerves. I have the most confidence I’ve had in a while, with my swimming and with myself.” — Emma McKeon (AUS), after women’s 200 free semi-finals (qualified second, 1:54.99)

“I was actually really freaking out when I got to the pool. I was really nervous. Then I got for warm-up, and I felt a lot better, and I was feeling a lot better going into the race.” — Lilly King (USA), on how she felt before women’s 100 breast final (gold, 1:04.12 WR)

“I’m stoked. I was thrilled with my time, thrilled with the race. I knew it was going to be an intense race, a showdown. I was just hoping to stay in my own lane, do the best I could. I told myself no matter the outcome, I was going to be proud of myself when I touched the wall, and I was just a little extra happy that I got a silver medal.” — Katie Meili (USA), on women’s 100 breast final (silver, 1:05.03)

“Everybody does it, we see it many times, but when I do it, it angers everybody, so I do it more for fun and for media and for pressure. Just give some fireworks.” — Yulia Efimova (RUS), on wagging her finger at Lilly King after 100 breast semi-finals (bronze in final, 1:05.05)

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use