Comments from ParalympicsGB athletes following this morning’s session.
Luke Nuttall
Result: sixth in men’s T46 1500m final, season’s best time of 3:57.62
Age: 22
Hometown: Preston
“It's hard to process it after such a big race without being too overly emotional. I think I am going to be frustrated because I feel like I was capable of running a time to get a medal. Those races are such a blur but it was a bit scrappy and I felt like I was playing catch up.
“I am a bit disappointed, it's been a tough summer and one point it was looking like I wouldn't even race so I need to put it into perspective. The experience was insane with the crowd and everything. I think I'll be proud I got here, my Dad passed away nine months ago and it's been really tough since that but he's been my motivation.
“I had my first big injury [stress response in femur] in April so with everything I've been through I can proud I got here because I know how gutted I'd have been to miss out. The competitor in me wants to be in the mixer for a medal so I can't not think about that.
“That's the first time I've run in front of a crowd like that you don't get experience like this as a Paralympic athlete and it's hard to put a value on how good it was to get comfortable in a setting like this. I’ll be 26 in LA, I feel I'm ready to medal and by then I'll be pushing for gold. This has given me a lot of motivation.”
Sophie Hahn
Result: second in women’s T38 100m semi-final in 12.52, qualified for final
Age: 27
Hometown: Nottingham
“I was really happy with how I executed the race. I could run my own race in lane one. It doesn't put pressure on me, I could just focus on myself and run through to the line.
“I am really excited for the final, this is my third Games, which I can hardly believe, but I am going to go out there and enjoy it.”
Maddie Down
Result: third in women’s T38 100m semi-final in 12.93, qualified for final
Age: 16
Hometown: Birmingham
“It is crazy. I was getting in the blocks just trying to tell myself to do what I normally do. Ignore everyone else and run your race. I managed to do that, and I am in the final.
“The crowd is amazing. I walked out and everyone started cheering. It is the biggest crowd I've ever competed in front of. First time for everything but I think it went really well.”
Olivia Breen
Result: fourth in women’s T38 100m semi-final in 12.95, ninth overall so did not qualify for final
Age: 28
Hometown: Liphook
“I was trying to react to the gun but the crowd was so noisy. I don't want to give any excuses, I could have run better but things happen. I've got to remember that the long jump is still to come and that will make me more hungry.
“The long jump is 100 percent my target and getting the chance to compete and get used to the stadium will only help. The crowd will really lift me in the long jump and I'm really excited to get back out there.
“It's a shame I won't be in that final but I'll be there cheering on. Being captain is amazing, the energy and vibe is so good and we're all supporting each other.”
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