IMAGE || MICHAEL WILLSON

Compiled by Deanna Yourell

We’ve kept our ears to the ground and brought you the most quotable quotes from the last 24 hours. Here’s today’s action through the voices of those who matter most:

Athlete Sally Pearson talks about her decision to withdraw from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games:

“I’m obviously very disappointed but I’m very happy to be here to support the Australian athletics team, and the Australian team.

“It’s gut-wrenching, it’s heartbreaking and it’s very unfortunate that I can’t get out there.

“I went out there last night (Wednesday) into the Opening Ceremony and heard the roar for Australia. Not being able to feel that for myself in my individual events is very disappointing.”

Triathlete Jacob Birtwhistle on his silver medal performance:

“I am super happy to be in second place. It would have been nice to go one better, but I just couldn’t run it down. I left it all to the run, and I put everything into that. It’s amazing to be competing with such talented guys and I am so stoked with a silver medal.”

Triathlete Matthew Hauser reflects on finishing fourth and his teammate’s performance:

“I gave it all for my country and I definitely wouldn’t have fourth if it wasn’t for the crowd. They were so electric at the end there.

“This is a good victory for Australia, with Jacob Birtwhistle managing to win silver as well. When he passed me at the end all I could say to him was ‘you bloody legend’. He was amazing.”

Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles on representing hockey at the Opening Ceremony:

“I think this is a reward for our sport in the Commonwealth Games, more than just for me as an individual. I love that I can give back to our sport in a way as big as this.”

Bowler Karen Murphy discusses her success on day one against Malia Kioa:

“I did that fairly well today, my first bowl was quite good. The first one is always the hardest.

“I was probably more anxious about the game than I was getting up in front of 2.9 billion people and reciting the oath (at the Opening Ceremony).”

Gymnast Michael Mercieca talks about the team’s hopes for the next session:

“We came in today hoping to finish in first place after this session. Unfortunately, this time they – the Cypriots – trumped us, but we’ll get them next time. There is still one session to come and anything can happen. Hopefully we can still come away with something.”

Weightlifter Phillip Liao on competing on home soil on his birthday:

“It’s pretty good, it makes everything more special and it means more to me. It was an opportunity for my friends to come and witness the Games.”

Bowler Nathan Rice talks about regrouping from defeat:

“We felt we played well. It was a high-class game. They played really well. Couple of things didn’t go our way.

“Forget about that and move on and just keep playing the way we are.”

Cyclist Jessica Gallagher reflects on her pilot Madison Janssen:

“If you can’t trust the one in front, then you have nothing. We have a wonderful relationship.”