Flash Quotes - Elite Women's Wheelchair Field

1st Place: Catherine Debrunner (SUI)

On the race:

"It was an amazing race. It was extremely tough to win as most of the time I was in the headwind.”

“Around 5K, I found myself alone. I planned to go out hard, and it worked. We never know how far ahead we are, so I just try to keep a steady pace."

On prize money parity for para athletes:

"I feel very happy that the London Marathon has made this big step. It's clear they value us the same as the runners."
 
2nd Place: Manuela Schar (SUI) 

On the race:

"Debrunner set a really high pace. We raced together for a while, but in the last few kilometres she broke away. There was a headwind which made it tough."

"The women's race is the most amazing it's ever been. I'm lucky to be part of this - it's so exciting."

On role models:

"The Swiss have a great wheelchair history with great role models. I looked up to athletes like Heinz Frei when I was a junior. I hope there are youngsters coming through now."

On prize money parity for para athletes:

"There's now parity with elite men and women, which gives us possibility to be professional athletes and grow the sport."

3rd Place: Tatyana McFadden (USA)

On the race: 

"What a great birthday present! My goal was to be back on the podium.

"Last year was hard as I was still getting used to my new FOXX [her customised full-carbon racing wheelchair]."

On the Paris 2024 Olympics:

"I'm climbing back to my best. I feel I've been catching up for the last seven years, as I switched coaches and I'm learning for Paris."

On prize money parity for para athletes:

"Thank you London! It's a step up and great to have equity."