Flash Interviews: Men's Discus Throw Final

Gold - Gerd KANTER, EST

There will be a big party today, it is my day. When I woke up I was thinking about the gold. I struggled at last big championships to be second. But it was not a shame because Virgilijus is the best discus thrower ever and he inspired me a lot in recent years. I think he will be back, you cannot count him out. It will tough to beat him again at Olympics. Technically it was not the best day, but there is big tension and you cannot release the discus in such a big arena at 100 percent. If somebody would have pushed me I could go over 70 metres. Our team is small, so the win means a lot for us and our country.

Silver - Robert HARTING, GER

Originally I had planned the medal only in two years in Berlin, but then I will simply have to get another medal (laughs). I never thought that I would get the silver medal. When I saw that Alekna still had not made his 70 metres after the third attempt I realized that he had problems with this leg or knee. Never had I thought it was possible to place before Alekna. The whole day I was so nervous, I could not eat and was nauseous. It only got better when I came to the stadium and could finally DO something. Franka Dietzsch gave me some advice: e.g. in the warm-up stadium, do only throw without spinning because the ring there is not good. Today I had nothing to lose because I had already succeeded in the qualification. I will celebrate together with shot putter Ralf Bartels tonight. I dedicate my medal to my girlfriend and the band to race walker Andre Hoehne.

Bronze - Rutger SMITH, NED

This morning I told my roommate "I'm going to win a medal" but I thought 67m would be required. Naturally, I didn't suspect I would beat Alekna. He's not in the best shape, it's a shame because I still believe he is the best ever. I medalled in the shot put in Helsinki, and now in the discus. I'm not sure many athletes have done that. In the Olympics, hopefully, I'll medal in both and get a gold this time.

Fourth - Virgilijus ALEKNA LTU

Finally I lost, there is nothing to do. I must admit that one week before I got injury on my right calf. So already before the competition I knew it won't be that good. But still hoped for a medal. Life goes on, now the time to rehabilitate myself will come. I will try for that at World Athletics Final in Stuttgart and for sure next year at Olympics.