Anna Willard Interview - Berlin World Champs

Brought to you by Edward Ovadia who is in Berlin with official IAAF accreditation covering the championships for Runnerstribe.com

Runnerstribe: How did you feel out there?

Anna Willard: I felt great, super relaxed, and just tried to stay focused on the top six, and I wasn't in the greatest position with 200m to go, but made up for it in the last 100m, so it was good.

RT: Anything you would have done differently?

AW: No, just stay out of trouble, which is hard - I mean, that woman fell right in front of me, so my steeple skills came into play there, so I was fine.

RT: Looking to the next round, how are you hoping to go?

AW: Definitely just qualify, try to get one of the automatic qualifiers. Also just get a feel for how my competitors are running, when they look strong, when they're looking a little weak, and see how the final is going to play out.

RT: What were your thoughts on the other heats?

AW:I didn't see much of the first heat because I was doing my own warm up stuff, but I heard there was a fall in that one as well, I think it's just physical when you get a lot of women running much slower than what they're capable of.

RT: Who are you looking out for?

AW: Obviously Gelete Burka, Maryam Jamal, both are going to be big factors, Nancy Langat, like you never know what's going to happen, but she's the Olympic Champion. And also the other Americans, if Shannon makes it through, we're very strong, so you never know what's going to happen.

RT: Are you happy with the decision to run the 1500m?

AW: For sure, yeah. I'm happy!

RT: What were your thoughts on the steeple final last night?

AW: It was definitely deeper than last year. I'm really happy I'm in the 1500m, I'm more prepared for it. I think the steeple would have gone well, had I chosen to do that, but I'm definitely very happy with my decision.

RT: Thanks Anna, good luck for the next round!

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