Notable quotes from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Aug. 3, 2021

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This article was published 03/08/2021 (1501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Here are some notable quotes from Canadians and other athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Aug. 3, 2021

“I didn’t expect to go that fast. I wanted to save it for the final, but the American Kenny (Kenneth Bednarek) was pushing me a little bit, so I knew I had to make sure I qualified for the final, my coach told me ‘make sure you get first because you want to have a good lane for tomorrow night.'”

— Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse, on setting a new national record and personal best in his 200-metre semifinal. De Grasse and fellow Canadian Aaron Brown will run for gold on Wednesday.

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“You know what? First Olympic Games, and being amongst such incredible and talented and experienced women. I think there’s always more you wish you can do, but if anything, my results today show me that there’s a lot more in the tank.”

— Canadian Camryn Rogers, who impressed in her Olympic debut with a fifth-place finish in the women’s hammer throw

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“Put your health and safety first above all things.”

— American gymnast Simone Biles, who won a bronze medal in the women’s balance beam final. Biles, who is among the most celebrated gymnasts of all-time, withdrew from the women’s team and individual all-around competitions to focus on her mental health.

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“To go for a medal, to win. That’s what I want.”

— Canadian runner Mohammed Ahmed, on his goals for the 5,000-metre final. Ahmed finished second in his semifinal heat on Tuesday.

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“Obviously coming fourth is hard, but to be able to compete and take part in the final and hit my beam routine, I’m very, very happy with that.”

— Canadian gymnast Ellie Black, who battled an ankle injury to finish fourth in the women’s beam final

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“It definitely stings. It definitely hurts. We know we have what it takes, so to not have that manifest on the court is tough to deal with emotionally.”

— Canadian women’s beach volleyball player Brandie Wilkerson after her team with Heather Bansley was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2021.