Shot Put Qualification Part one
Rutger SMITH NED
"21.04 m in the first throw is absolutely fantastic, so close to this year's best! I was expecting 20.50 m. Although I am not too surprised because I know that I am in excellent shape. I am here in Japan since 1.5 weeks and training improved every day. As I did not sleep very well last night, I will go back to the hotel now, eat something and try to catch some sleep, get some rest. But I am not nervous, I do not need distraction."

Joachim OLSEN DEN
"I'm glad qualifying at the first round. It is good for the mind and allows to get quick out of the heat. Tonight, it's going to take 21.20m to get a medal. It is a very tough field but I feel good and just need to relax now."

Reese HOFFA USA
"Other than beating the heat I think the most important was to throw a great distance and qualify. I did that, so I m looking forward to the evening. I will eat something and take a nap to be ready. The circle is great, but it will all be about myself and hitting a good throw. Over 21 meters should make it to the podium."

Shot Put Qualification Part two
Adam NELSON USA
"I would have preferred to qualify in the first round but I had a minor technical problem there because I got off balance out of my back. But this evening qualification results won't matter at all. I feel good and my head is strong."

Ralf BARTELS GER
"Everything is as I hoped! I qualified one round later than I had expected but this still is not too bad. No surprises today. I feel very confident now and my aim is to place amongst the last eight [for the final three throws]."