2003 World Figure Skating Championships

24 March

Men, Qualifying Group B

Brian Joubert (FRA), 2003 European silver medalist
(On his early practice at 6 a.m.)  I did not get much sleep; there was a fire alarm in the hotel during the night. This is the last event of the season, it has been a long season and I am tired. I will try to get some rest for tomorrow.

Stanick Jeannette (FRA), 2003 European bronze medalist
I don’t know what happened today. I don’t want to say more right now.

Ilia Klimkin (RUS), 2003 Grand Prix Final silver medalist
The lace on my right boot ripped off right before I went out. That’s why I missed the take-off of my first quad and fell on the second quad.
(On choosing „Sunny Boy“ for the Qualifying and „Dr. Diesel“ for the final Free Skating) I think it’s more interesting for the spectators to see two different programs. I had to skate two long programs at the Grand Prix Final, and they are both ready.
(On being here without his coach)
My coach cannot fly long distance because of his health. I already adjusted to that, and I’m not alone here, I’m with my choreographer (Irina Kolganova).
(On his goals for this competition)
I want to crack the top six, but I know it will be hard. The field is very strong and a lot of people are landing quads in practice.

Michael Weiss (USA), 2000 World bronze medalist
(On competing in his hometown)
There is a lot of extra pressure and excitement and it is important for me to skate well here. 
(In regards to the current world situation, war in Iraq) 
The nice thing about sports is no matter what type of conflicts are going on world-wide, athletics are always a constant, everyone who is here has been working very hard for this competition.  It is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and show their camaraderie.
(On the quad Lutz)
Just before Nationals I sprained some ligaments and tendons in my ankle so I wasn’t able to do a triple Lutz and I won’t be trying one (quad Lutz) here but I have two quad toe loops. My goal is to win, anytime you come to a competition, you want to leave the champion.