Marlon Devonish maintained an unexpected gold in the men's 4x100metres relay had restored the pride in British sprinting.

After a disappointing showing in the individual event, with a Briton failing to reach the final, few gave Devonish, Jason Gardener, Darren Campbell and Mark Lewis-Francis much chance of picking up a medal in Saturday night's relay race.

Reigning champions America had gone into the final as red-hot favourites to hold onto their title.

But Britain swept to glory in stunning fashion, Lewis-Francis holding off Maurice Greene by just millimetres on the anchor leg.

"I can't speak for the individuals, but as far I understand it, they [critics] were saying we would not get to the final or win a medal," reflected Devonish.

"I am not the type of person to turn round and say 'hah, we have done it'.

"You just lead by example, and we have done that. I have got a gold medal around my neck, had the best day of my life and it is really, really special for British sprinting.

"We should be trying to be positive about it all."

Devonish hailed the efforts of his team-mates, adding on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "It has not really sunk in yet, and is all still a bit surreal.

"It was one of the best [runs] of my life, a wonderful experience.

"Jason got out well the second time and handed the baton over well to Darren.

"At that point, I am ready to go and my heart is pumping like it never has done before.

"Once I had got the baton, that was a huge relief.

"I just thought 'Marlon, run as hard as you can' and I felt myself go past the Nigerians.

"Mark got out really well, it was a real clean change-over and we were first ahead of the Americans and Nigerians, which put them under pressure.

"I know the Americans came back at us, but we did really well. It has been one of the best days of my life."