"It's a wonderful day for Jamaica and you have done us proud. It was a stunning performance and we are so proud of you. The games are not yet over and we expect a lot more from the team in the days ahead, but I can assure you that we are planning a massive welcome- home party for all of you."

"I congratulate Usain and expect that he will continue to excel because he is committed to his sport and himself. We now look forward to his performances in the 200 metres as we believe that he will return another stellar performance."

She told Asafa Powell, who finished down the track in fifth place in 9.95 seconds: "I know you are disappointed, but you have done Jamaica proud over the years and we will always salute you. It is never easy when you don't meet your own expectations, but we are still solidly behind you because you have proven yourself time and time again."

"It is a truly outstanding achievement for one who has come out of the bowels of rural Jamaica and has fulfilled the promise he showed from early years ... My thoughts go out to Asafa Powell and I would like to see him take home a gold and the only way he can do that now is to be a part of the winning relay team."