For the second straight year, Dremiel Byers won the U.S. Nationals title. What was different about this year was that Byers defeated Rulon Gardner in the finals.

A possible meeting with Gardner again in the Olympic Trials looms for Byers once again.    TheMat.com spoke with Byers about his preparation for the Olympic Trials.

TheMat.com: 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.

TheMat.com: What do you have to do that is different in this year's Trials than last year's?

Byers: I used to say that getting to rest for the Trials was the greatest thing in the world, until I lost last year. I gained 30 pounds between nationals and Trials last year. I'm going to train like I have nothing to lose.

TheMat.com: 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.

TheMat.com: 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.

TheMat.com: 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.
TheMat.com: 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.

TheMat.com: 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.

TheMat.com: You are 29 years-old right now. Following 2004, are you going to retire?

Byers: I can't say anything for sure. I am worried about the Olympic Trials right now.