(Beijing May 22) Comments from Round 1 athlete after the Men's 110m Hurdles at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Liu Xiang (CHN, SHH) - Semifinal qualifier

On the venue:

“It reaches International standard, fairly good. The track is OK for me. Not too soft, not too hard.”

On his performance:

“I treated it seriously, and t did well. After all, it is only preliminaries.”

On the audience:

“I was not disturbed by their cheers. I was totally focused on the race, and absorbed myself in it completely.”

On the Wenchuan earthquake:

“I have been focusing on the quake these days. I also care about the people in Sichuan. My coach and I have donated money to them. However, the disaster was unavoidable. I hope the people in Sichuan can stand up and lead a good life in the future. One person's power is limited. But we can join hands to overcome the disaster.

Shi Dongpeng (CHN, HBE) - Semifinal qualifier

On his performance:

“It was a very easy job. The coach expected me to enter the anal, arid 1 got excited all over the moment I got into the stadium.”

On his training:

“A few months ago, I trained with Liu Xiang (CHN,SHH), which affected my shape, and 1 haven't made adjustment in time. So I didn't do well in Osaka. I will be going to the US for further training.

On the venue:

“The audience is so passionate, and the trade feels very comfortable. It has good elasticity. I also feel good to be in the home venue. I am very proud of the Birds Nests. I hope I will do better next time when I come here, I mean the Olympics.”

On the significance of this event:

“I am able to experience the venue and the atmosphere here. It is the biggest event before the Olympics.”

Justin Merlino (AUS) - Semifinal qualifier

On running with Liu Xiang:

“He is great. It's special to compete against him. He is fast, but not extremely fast. The sport is a combination of flexibility and speed. I was hoping to run faster, but I am not too disappointed. It's a good experience for me.”

Ji Wei (CHN, PLA) - Semifinal qualifier

On his performance:

“I came here mainly to get adjusted to the track. So I felt relaxed. I have attained my goal.”

On his preparation strategy for the Olympics:

“I will try to stabilize my speed during me coming months to avoid fluctuations.”

On his goal at the Olympics:

“I have reached Standard A. I hope to enter top eight during the Games.”

On running with Liu Xiang at the Olympics:

“I do not feel too much pressure. But he is certainly a formidable opponent.”

Xing Yanan (CHN) - Semifinal qualifier

On his choice of this event:

“I took 100m in Osaka because of a foot injury. I couldn't run hurdles then. But the hurdles is my staple. Probably, I will also be in 4x100m during the Olympic Games.”

On his performance:

“Everything is great: my performance, the track, and the atmosphere. 1 did not come to get adjusted to the Bird's Nest. I just wanted to run after six months away from the tracks because of the injury.”

Naito Masato (JPN)- Semifinal qualifier

On his performance:

“I feel happy to run with Liu Xiang and to enter Round Two. I feel satisfied. I will take part in a qualifying event back home. I hope to come to the Bird’s Nest again.”