Olympics: Top NZ quotes from London

New Zealand's Simon van Velthooven with his bronze medal after the victory ceremony for the men's keirin. Photo / Mark Mitchell

As the 2012 London Olympics draws to a close, nzherald.co.nz takes a look at some of the best quotes from the 184 Kiwi athletes who shared the passion, pride and pain of the Games.

"I'm a diesel engine these days and this was designed for Formula One-type racers." - Bevan Docherty on the triathlon course.

"I'm a former world champion. It's f**king not easy. It puts the pressure on. It's different when you are 20 years old and you're living in the back of a car. But when you become a world champion you expect extra support to get better. They don't want to know you when the chips are down. You get used as a political pawn.'' - Ben Fouhy.

"So many great people have won medals for New Zealand in the past and to be alongside them is pretty special. To be the actual 100th ones is quite crazy. We are quite proud." - Blair Tuke on 100 NZ Olympic medals

"Mentally it had an affect on me, other athletes at the village were asking me why I wasn't on the start list. All I could say was I'm not sure, I'm not sure. While I was trying so hard to keep focus on my last training session but the whole time I was thinking 'am I in or am I out?" - Val Adams on the administration error that nearly cost her a chance to compete.

"When the going got tough, it was just a bit embarrassing. I shouldn't be embarrassed; it's an Olympic final, something I dreamed about as a kid but knowing I came in with such good credentials... I probably talked too much and it came back to bite me in the arse." - Nick Willis

"This is the nation's medal. It's for everyone that's looked after me, billeted me and fed me. It's just a huge moment in BikeNZ, in track cycling and in our [sprint] team. I'm lost for words." - Simon van Velthooven

"What more could I want? Twenty-three years old from Feilding, Mr Manawatu! Who would have thought I'd get a bronze medal in the keirin?" - Velthooven again remembering his roots.

"I had to make an emergency stop in the pits. For me it was super-upsetting because I was on such a high with the Tour de France. To perform with distinction there and then end here with such a low. "I just had bad, bad, bad diarrhoea. Once I had one movement, I was done.'' Kiwi cyclist Greg Henderson was bitterly disappointed when an upset stomach forced him out of the men's road race after just 15km.

"I don't know how to switch it off. I'm having a few issues with that but I'm sure it will sink in.'' - Jo Aleh after winning gold in the women's 470 with Polly Powrie.

"It was nothing new for us. We do a lot of our racing from behind. That's what makes us fight so hard." - Nathan Cohen on the strategy he and Joseph Sullivan used to win gold in the men's double sculls.

- HERALD ONLINE