MANCHESTER and a selection of the world’s best athletes put on a united show in the recovering city for the Great City Games on Friday night.
The athletics meeting on the streets of the northern city were close to being cancelled after the heartbreaking terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena.
But the sports stars remained committed to the cause and the fans celebrated their home in the balmy sunshine as the brave city and his residents continue their recovery.
European indoor champion Asha Philip won the women’s 100m with a time of 11.48secs.
And, after holding off second place Sally Pearson, she revealed Manchester and the crowd were her inspiration.
Philip said: “I was so happy to do it as the fans really spur you on.
“We want to show our love and appreciation.”
After running his 150m race, Richard Kilty added: “The main thing was to come out here and put on a show for the people of Manchester and have fun with them.”
Paralympic sprinter Marlou van Rhijn said: “I am so impressed by the Manchester people who have come out and shown that love is more powerful than hate.”
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Greg Rutherford won the long jump with a huge 8.18m jump in his first competition of 2017.
The Team GB star said: “I am a bit lost for words, I have not trained for three weeks with injury. I didn’t think it would be good but I wanted to come here and test myself.
“The crowd was incredible and it was so special to have everyone supporting us and behind us."
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