'We went out there and ran the best race of our lives'

I am Olympic champion. It is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. I can go home with my head held high. This has given me a lot of confidence. It means great things for the future.

I am Olympic champion. It is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. I can go home with my head held high. This has given me a lot of confidence. It means great things for the future.

Mark Lewis-Francis, who ran the final leg in Britain's victorious 4x100m relay team

It is a dream come true. We had amazing faith in each other.

Jason Gardener, who ran the first leg

The last thing our coach said before we went out was "seize the day", and we tried to do that.

Darren Campbell, who ran the second leg

We came out today positive. This is a great team. Our time has come. We went out there and ran the best race of our lives.

Lewis-Francis

We have gone and proved everyone wrong, all the people who were talking negative about us. I wasn't worried about Maurice [Greene, who opposed him on the final leg for the US]. I knew I had it won as soon as I got the baton.

Lewis-Francis, referring to criticism of Britain's sprinters during the Games

I didn't deserve that criticism. I've always gone out there and done the best for my country. What I want to say to Michael Johnson is with my solicitors but there is something I'd like to say to Colin Jackson... I've got a gold medal.

Campbell, who fell out with Johnson and Jackson over criticism of his form

I just cannot even express the way I feel - it feels like it isn't me and that I am going to wake up in the morning and have to do it all again which I couldn't bear. It is just so surreal. Mentally and physically I am absolutely exhausted and I can't quite believe this has happened to me.

Kelly Holmes, Olympic champion at 800m and 1500m

I don't think I will ever run that quickly again because I'll never have that drive and determination. I had to be confident after winning the 800m.

Holmes

For people now to start talking about me in the same sentence as Sebastian Coe is just mind-blowing. He was my idol for years. I watched him run in the Olympics on TV. He was my inspiration when I was younger.

Holmes