DREMIEL BYERS
2002-03 Team USA Ranking: No. 1 at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Years on Team USA: 4 (1999-2000, 01-04)
Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Club: U.S. Army
College: North Carolina A&T
High School: Kings Mountain, N.C. (Kings Mountain HS)
Born: September 11, 1974 in Newark, N.J.
Height: 6-2

1. Did you let your guard down at all when you found out you would face Corey Farkas in the finals and not Rulon Gardner at the U.S. Nationals?

Byers: No. You can't let your guard down in a tournament like that. Farkas is a top-notch opponent. He beat Rulon, so I knew I had to prepare for this match or I may get beat as well.

2. There was so much hype surrounding a possible meeting between you and Rulon heading into the nationals. Do you feel that either one of you were affected by that hype?

Byers: I can't answer for him, but I wasn't. Those things are good for wrestling and good for people to talk about all the time. If we didn't have anything to talk about, then this sport would have a hard time surviving.

3. A couple of months ago, I asked you who the man to beat at your weight class was, and you said Rulon was. Do you still feel the same way?

Byers: The man to beat is my opponent, whoever that is. I have to go in with that mindset. It keeps me honest out there and it keeps me focused.

4. Do you hope to get a matchup with Rulon at the Trials this year?

Byers: It doesn't matter. I hope to compete against the best wrestler possible. If that happens to be Rulon, then it is.

5. Has your weight class become deeper in the U.S. over the past two years?

Byers: I think so. I think a lot of guys at our weight class have begun to get quicker and more athletic since they dropped it from 130 kilos to 120. It gives a lot more wrestlers a chance to get to the top of the ladder.

6. Is your wife still deployed in overseas? If so, do you get to speak with her often?

Byers: Yes, she is still in the Middle East. I speak with her every now and then. Hopefully she will get to come home soon.

7. If she returned home today, would you wrestle in the Trials? Why or why not?

Byers: Probably not. I am a World Champion. My dream and goal is for Olympic gold, but family is one of the most important things in my life. I have not seen my wife in so long, that I would feel a need to spend some time with her.

8. Do you feel now more than ever that you are capable of accomplishing you and your grandfather's dream of you winning an Olympic gold medal?

Byers: I have the confidence to win. I am starting to believe the things people have been telling me my whole life. I know I am capable of accomplishing big things in this sport. I just have to continue to improve and work towards getting better.

9. You have been on fire ever since the World Championships last year. What can stop Dremiel Byers right now?

Byers: Me not staying focused could stop me. I try not to think of myself in that light. I just want to get better with every match and everything else should take care of itself.

10. You are 28 years-old right now. Following 2004, are you going to retire?

Byers: I can't say anything for sure. I am worried about 2003 right now. After that, I will worry about the Olympic Trials and the Olympics.