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Elite athlete flash quotes

2022 elite men’s wheelchair race quotes

Marcel Hug (SUI), winner (1:24:38)

On racing Daniel Romanchuk:

“Really tough race out there today, one of the toughest. Dan was so strong today and I did everything I could to break away. I tried to up my pace to make him tired, but he was just too strong. I think that was one of his best performances of all time.”

On breaking the course record:

“I was very happy with my sprint. I’ve taken a lot of confidence since Tokyo and my new chair feels amazing to race in.”

On this being the biggest prize pot in wheelchair racing:

“Yes it’s getting better and this means a lot to wheelchair athletes as well as myself. I think it is a strong encouragement for more wheelchair athletes to race.”


Daniel Romanchuk (USA), second place (1:24:40)

On the race:

“I feel pretty good about my race, the plan was just to stay in there and not let Marcel get too far ahead. I stayed in the slipstream, but I couldn’t hear anything Marcel was saying to me. My plan is to now go back home and talk to my coach before New York in a couple of weeks’ time.”


David Weir (GBR), third place (1:30:41)

On the last 200 metres:

“I can’t even remember the last mile… it was that tough. I couldn’t give no more to be honest, that was it!”

“It just takes me so long to warm up, it doesn’t matter how many different things I try before the race.”

On how he feels about being on the podium after 23 London Marathons:

“It’s an amazing achievement and I’m happy to be on the podium... but I just wanted to be a bit closer to Daniel [Romanchuk]. Marcel [Hug] – he’s in a different league!”

2022 elite women's wheelchair race quotes

Catherine Debrunner (SUI), winner (1:38:24)

On winning the race:

“The feeling is unbelievable and so incredible, I’m so proud I did it all by myself. It was so tough, it’s a crazy route. It’s been a great adventure and experience. I spoke with Susannah [Scaroni] when we knew both Manuela [Schär] and Madison [de Rozario] had withdrawn and we agreed to work together.”

On this being her debut in London:

“I trained for three months with my coach in Holland and I saw a big progression in that time, but I never expected to win today. I’m so happy because I found out my coach is here in London with his girlfriend.

“I like this distance because it’s extremely tough mentally and I love it already.”


Susannah Scaroni (USA), second place (1:42:21)

On racing in London:

“This is my first appearance in three years and London is just as I remember it. It’s a hard course but the crowd were fantastic and today we had great weather. The gap accrued between me and Catherine [Debrunner] at 5K and I just had to hang in there.

On athletes who withdrew from the race:

“I felt very sorry for Manuela [Schär] and Madison [de Rozario] that they could not start. Manuela is my idol and for her not to be there was disappointing.

On the increase in prize money:

“I think this event is amazing, from the moment you land you are looked after and feel part of an amazing event. It’s incredible to be a wheelchair racer at this time. The impact of the additional prize money is significant and means we can focus on being an athlete.”


Eden Rainbow-Cooper (GBR), third place (1:47:27)

On the race:

“It was a tough race but getting experience at this level is what I need. I have not raced against a lot of these women so having this experience will be beneficial on my future races.

On athletes who withdrew from the race:

“None of us knew until we were lined up on the grid, that Manuela [Schär] and Madison [de Rozario] were unable to race, but then it became any one’s race.”

“I’m really grateful to the Weir Archer Academy as David [Weir] has really supported me in my marathon racing and I would recommend that any wheelchair athletes who are interested in marathon get involved. Details of how to do that are available in the usual social media outlets.”

2022 elite women's race quotes

Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH), winner (2:17:26)

On her debut in London:

“I really like this race. I knew it was fast paced and I was aware we were on world record-breaking time at one point, but I just focused on running as fast as I could.”

On other Ethiopian athletes performing well:

“We are tough athletes and we work really hard so we can race as well as possible.”


Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN), second place (2:18:07)

On the running conditions:

“This year was perfect because there was no rain – it was very cool, not too chilly, so I’m happy about the good weather!”

On whether she’ll race again in April next year:

“I hope to be here next year because I love London! The streets of London are the best – the crowds cheer us all the way and keep us motivated when we’re running.”

“During the last sprint there were a lot of competitions all around, so it gave me more motivation to run faster!”


Alemu Megertu (ETH), third place (2:18:32)

On her race:

“I’m very, very happy to come third place. It was a really great competition and I’m very pleased to have run my best time. Ethiopian running is a big thing.”


Rose Harvey (GBR), first Briton (2:27:59)

On racing in London:

“It was a brilliant start but towards the end it felt like a slow time trail. I was just trying to get to the next shout of the crowd. I can’t believe it, it was the race of my life. Absolutely amazing, the last four miles were painful, but the crowd were great.”

On what’s next for her:

“I’m going to take a rest, reset and plan for next year. I want to thank my coaches Alice and Amy Cragg for all their help and support – they have been fantastic. I’m getting emotional saying it.”

On fellow Brit Charlotte Purdue’s withdrawal from the race:

It was devastating to hear of Charlotte’s withdrawal on the bus to the Start. I’m sorry for her, she’s had a tough six months. However, it did open up a spot in the first few miles and gave me a bit more to fight for, not just the time.”

On the quality of women’s elite running right now:

“It’s a brilliant scene right now, with Eilish McColgan and Ethiopian runners doing so well. This spurs us all on and you never know who might achieve world-class times.”

2022 elite men's race quotes

Amos Kipruto (KEN), winner (2:04:39)

On his debut in London:

“This is my London debut and it’s a wonderful day. I’m very, very happy I won, but I can’t explain how I won. I decided to make a decisive break because of my training – I was confident and I knew when to go.”

On his countryman Eliud Kipchoge:

“Kipchoge is an inspiration for us all and he is a legend for the young generation in Kenya. He is another level in sport and has been a mentor to me. I really wish to follow in his footsteps. I’m so proud to be here.”


Leul Gebresilase (ETH), second place (2:05:12)

On his race:

“I am happy and I hope the TCS London Marathon invites me again next year! I surprised myself by coming second. Unfortunately, I had some hamstring problems but I’m hoping I can win it next year!”


Bashir Abdi (BEL), third place (2:05:19)

On his third third-placed result since the Tokyo Olympics:

“They call me Mr Bronze, but I’m really happy with today’s race. The steady pace gave me more of a chance and it’s London – I always get a big help from the crowd, especially for the last seven miles. It’s like nowhere else in the world. I’d like to come back.”

On his training partner Sir Mo Farah withdrawing from the race:

“It’s so sad that Mo is not competing today. He just did The Big Half [on 4 September] and is injured and there’s no good time to be injured. If Mo had been running today I would have had more support, but hopefully we will be back in April to race again.”


Weynay Ghebresilasie (GBR), first Briton (2:11:57)

On his race:

“I’m not happy with my race, I got a personal best but I hoped to go quicker. I was a steeple chaser originally but the move to the marathon has been interesting. I will now go and prepare for the next TCS London Marathon. I’m not thinking about qualifying for the Paris Olympics just yet.”