Bron: www.athens2004.com

ATHENS, 19 August - Comments from Pieter van den HOOGENBAND (NED)

Pieter van den HOOGENBAND (NED)

On his performance:

"I have not qualified (for the 50m Freestyle), but I couldn't concentrate to be honest. I don't care because the 100m (Freestyle) was such a relief for me."

On retaining his Olympic gold medal in the 100m Freestyle:

"I woke up and thought it was a dream, but went I went to the dining room, everyone stood up, clapped and cheered, and I realised it was true. It is real."

On his training:

"I trained so hard. It was much harder here than in Sydney. To win a gold is great, but to defend it is even more important. Last night I felt an explosion of happiness."

On what will he do next:

"I am going to call my friends and go out and celebrate. I am so happy, I want to be with everyone who has helped me achieve this."

On Alexander POPOV:

"Too bad he didn't make the (50m Freestyle) finals. He is a great swimmer and deserves to be there."