Louis and Nastia joined the press conference to launch the World Championships-

Nastia quotes
On being elected FIG athlete representative:
“It’s a huge honour to be elected, I’m really excited about working with the FIG and to be a voice for all the athletes… to communicate any concerns and to represent all athletes competing on the floor… I feel ready to take on the role”.

On not performing at this event:
“It’s exactly four years ago that I competed in my first WCs in Melbourne so being able to be here is still exciting even though I’m not competing…. It is nice to take a break and support my teammates and my dad and to be a fan… The set up in the arena is almost the same as Beijing so it brings back a lot of memories… there are lots of up and coming gymnasts and hopefully we will see a new star”

On staying in the sport:
“I hadn’t realized how many obligations go with being Olympic champion, many demands for appearances so was not able to get into best shape to represent the USA in these world championships.  The bar was set high so didn’t want to compete if not ready… I’ve called my dad every night to find out how practice went which is a little weird as I’m used to seeing him every day”.

Louis Smith quotes:
On the arena:
“The arena is spectacular, it’s one of the best I’ve seen in the world and it’s great looking towards the future to 2012”

On team GB:
“The spirit is high in the GB camp, everyone’s friends and family are coming to support them so everyone is eager to get out there and prove to everyone that British Gymnastics is on the up”

On whether he will be disappointed with anything but gold:
“Every time I compete the main aim is to do a routine clean despite so that despite the result I can walk away with head held high.  This is important as I’m no longer doing this for myself, my nan passed away a few days ago and I’m doing it for her as well”.

On competing in front of a home crowd:
“I hope to rise to the occasion, I love the pressure, even though there will be thousands of home fans in the crowd, it won’t affect my performance – I’m in my own world when I’m on the pommel”