Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards-Ross, Sally Pearson, all reigning Olympic Champions, with an impressive track record of outstanding performances over the years, shared their thoughts with the media in Doha, right before the IAAF Diamond League inaugural competition on Friday May 15, at the Qatar Sports Club.

Sanya Richards-Ross (USA), who will run the 400 metres on Friday, is a debutant, as it is her first time running in Qatar: "It’s my first time attending. I have heard great things about Doha and I look forward to an awesome event on Friday, I am looking forward to this experience”, adding: “It’s always fine to race against the best in the world”.

Sanya has her eyes set on winning the Diamond Race this season and focuses on the 400 metres races: “I definitely want to try and win the Diamond Race this year”.

Allyson Felix (USA), who will run the 200 metres race, is no stranger to Doha, as it is her eleventh time competing in the State of Qatar. “I think it’s my 11th time here in Qatar, everybody knows I love running in Doha; I’m excited to be back, it’s a great place to run, it’s a fast track, the conditions are good and the performances are always stellar, I am just looking forward to Friday’s competition. I am not sure what to expect, my race will be like a test to see where I am and what I am going to work on from here”.

As 2015 is a World Championships year, Allyson is focused on this prestigious event in August: “My focus is on the World Championships and my schedule is completely set up just to be at my best for the Champs and the Diamond League will help me accomplish it”.

Sanya has a similar approach: “The World Championships just makes the season much more exciting, it gives me something to look forward to and to train towards. I feel I have some unfinished business and I really prepare myself to be at my best when the World Championships comes around and hopefully fight for another World title.”

Sanya had a tough spell in 2013 due to injury, but she got out of it stronger, both physically and mentally: “In 2013 it was probably the toughest time for me with my toe after having my first surgery I had no mobility on my big toe and it was excruciating and painful. I thought about maybe retiring (laughing) but sitting at home and watching the meets I thought I still love it, I still am passionate about it and so I had a second surgery and I am able to run with minimal pain. I feel good and healthy again so I am happy I didn’t give up because I believe my best is yet to come”.

Sally Pearson (AUS), who will run the 100 metres hurdles on Friday, is back again in Doha, after her first appearance in 2007, when she finished third. “I am a fierce competitor and I like to race with the best, that’s why I am here”, Sally says.

“I started hurdling at 14, my coach at the time told me I should give it a try, I was a gymnast before and I moved to athletics. Being an Olympic champion puts a smile on your face.”

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Sally looks forward to the competition on Friday and praises the capital city of Qatar: “I hope that the conditions here in Doha will help me run fast (laughing)”.

How easy is it to overcome jetlag and traveling around the world to compete at the highest level? “I was in Japan on Sunday and now I am here in Doha, jetlag is out of our control really, I think some people can be affected by it. I haven’t noticed anything that affects me just yet, I need to make everything right to make sure my body is in good shape and mentally I am really strong, as I have my team around me, my coach, and my husband.”