Winners Quotes - 2013 Great North CityGames, Newcastle-Gateshead

Sally Pearson (AUS) – winner of the 100m hurdles and 150m:

“The hurdles was ok, at least I’m running consistently so I’m happy.

“I can’t be excited by my season but it shows me there’s a lot to look forward to when I’m in shape next year.

“I was down to run the 150m all year and I’m always running sprints and it was good to do something different in my last race.”

Mike Rogers (USA) – winner of the 150m:

“I’m happy with today’s race, I’m really tired - it’s been a long season.

“It was a lot of fun, I enjoyed it here and I hope to come back next year. It’s my first time here, I did the Manchester CityGames two years ago.

“It was my best season ever and I’ve been very consistent. I was hurt last year but this year I was fit and hopefully I can do something special in the world indoor’s (in Poland in March).”

Ashleigh Nelson (GBR) – winner of the 100m:

“Me and my coach, Michael Afilaka have been working really hard this year, we know if I can stay injury-free then anything’s possible. We believe that I can do what the top girls do.

“It’s a great venue and crowd, I’m amazed by how many fans are out here.

“Now I’ll work at it all winter then see what the summer brings, hopefully the Commonwealth’s and European’s.”

Garrett Heath (USA) – winner of the one mile (road):

“It was good, the two Kenyans took it out pretty hard but I just settled behind until 1200m so then I decided to give it a go and leave it all out there.

“I was running out of gas on the final stretch on the track. I’m next racing New York (the Fifth Avenue Mile) next week.”

Jonnie Peacock (GBR) - winner of the IPC T44 100m:

“It could have gone better but it was a good way to finish off the season.

“It’s awesome and really special to be racing against the best in the world and for us to keep getting these opportunities to race.

“All I’m thinking about now is going on holiday, enjoying myself for a few weeks and not think about athletics for six weeks.”

David Oliver (USA) - winner of the 110m hurdles:

“This season was a learning process and it was definitely the best season of my career, especially coming back from injury.

“It was great to finish my year here with winning six races in a row. I was healthy this year and performed well when it mattered – at the world’s and winning the Diamond League.

“I’m now looking forward to spending a lot of time on my couch then starting again ahead of the World indoors.”

James Dasaolu (GBR) – winner of the 100m:

“It’s a nice, fun meet with the fans so close, I love it out here. It’s great to clock another good time and bring home the win.

“I’ve been healthy for 18-months now and it’s been a good season for me. I’m going to let the body recover for a month to six weeks and then possibly go for some of the three big champs to pick from next year.”

Chris Tomlinson (GBR) – winner of the long jump:

“To be honest, I’d actually prefer for the season to go on, what with not going to the World’s and I enjoy my athletics. It’s nice to finish my season in the north-east with lots of friends and family here to support me.

“Moscow was the first major champs I missed since 2002 so it’s rejuvenated me and there’s a big carrot there next year to do the three major champs.”