Gold medal-winning Marlon Devonish says the men's 4x100m Olympic relay triumph puts British sprinting back on the map. Devonish, Darren Campbell, Jason Gardener and Mark Lewis-Francis edged out the American favourites to firmly cast off doubts about their ability.
"I understand critics said we would not get to the final or win a medal," Devonish told BBC Radio Five Live.
"I am not the type of person to turn round and say 'hah, we have done it'. But we have led by example."
Devonish did not contest the individual 100m or 200m but his relay team-mates all failed to reach the final of either event.
It was the first time since 1976 that Britain failed to have a representative in the men's sprint showdown.
But the 28-year-old believes now is a time to celebrate British success after they snatched a surprise gold in Athens.
"We should be trying to be positive about it all," Devonish added on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek. "I have got a gold medal around my neck, had the best day of my life and it is really, really special for British sprinting."
Devonish was also pleased to boost his medal collection, adding the Olympic title to the Commonwealth and European relay titles both won in 2002.
"It has not really sunk in yet, and is all still a bit surreal," said Devonish.
"Once I had got the baton, that was a huge relief.
"I just thought 'Marlon, run as hard as you can' and I felt myself go past the Nigerians.
"It was one of the best runs of my life, a wonderful experience."
MMIX
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An unbelievable performance from the boys. No-one could have predicted they would win so impressively!
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