Amine LAALOU MAR
It was not an easy race, but a good opportunity to tune my rhythm and attack with 300m to go. I don't think about a medal right now and will take one round after the other.
Gary REED CAN
I knew somebody would make the pace, so I just had to follow. On the last 200 metres, I held them back easily. Even for the heats, you cannot take any chance - if you make a mistake you go home. I feel great, I am ready to go, but I do not look further than the semifinals for the moment. Semifinals will be rough, as always.
Mbulaeni MULAUDZI RSA
It was a good race, but not an easy one. Pace was medium. I like to have bibs with number one at the beginning, but at championships it is impossible. For the semifinals I am ready for any kind of pace slow or fast.
Rashid RAMZI BRN
I was so disappointed to have offered the gold to Lagat that I couldn't sleep at all last night. This is my first 800m this year. I did the essential qualifying for the next round.
Alfred Kirwa YEGO KEN
I controlled the race in order to enter the semifinals. I did not have to struggle, it was really smooth because the track is so fast. The finish on the home stretch was no problem as I am a sprinter. Semifinals will be very difficult, they always are.
Wilfred BUNGEI KEN
One is gone, I'm glad I'm through. It was tough, you know I'm not in perfect health condition. Tomorrow I will use the same tactics to follow the guys and the push at the end.
Mohammed AL SALHI KSA
I'm taking the competition step by step. I won today. Tomorrow is another day. I just don't want to put too much pressure on myself.
Youssef Saad KAMEL BRN
I felt a little bit tired, the 800 metres is a tough race. For the semifinal and the final, I cannot predict anything. I hope that things will go well for me in the semifinal. My father Billy Konchellah was always an inspiration for me and I definitely want to beat his time. Hopefully, he will arrive here in Osaka on Friday or Saturday. His arrival was delayed because of the visa. I really would like to have him here in the stadium.
