I can hold my head high

That's why I am holding my head high with a smile on my face. I'm proud of what I have achieved and, although I know there will always be that question mark against me, that's life.

The man I feel sorry for is Allen Johnson. I went up to him after the race and told him that I knew exactly how he was feeling - because I have been there.

Last year in Seville I took his world title from him and then last night Garcia took the Olympic title away from him as well. He left that track with nothing yesterday and I know how hard that is to take.

Besides, how could I go around with a long face when it was such a fantastic day for British athletics. I am so pleased for Jonathan Edwards to finally get the gold medal he has worked so hard for.

As for Kelly Holmes, that was one of the bravest performances I have ever seen. The future is looking so bright now and it's strange what a difference a year can make.

This time 12 months ago in Seville I was the only one being patted on the back as the solitary gold medallist, but now look at us. We are in good shape and the atmosphere in the camp is really high.

As for my Olympic dream, that's definitely it. I will continue to race on the Grand Prix circuit because that's what I enjoy doing. Although you won't see me in the World Championships in Canada next year I am thinking about making my last big meeting the Commonwealth Games for Wales in Manchester in 2002.

That would seem an appropriate way to bring the curtain down on my career considering it all started at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh all those years ago.

After that I intend to try and dedicate more time to directing and producing films, which is something I love doing. In fact, I fly straight to New York when I get back at the end of the week to help my sister with a short film she is doing out there.

Finally a word about my mate Mark Foster who had to leave the athletes' village yesterday for wearing a Speedo swimsuit in the final of the 50 metres freestyle last Friday.

Surely a rap on the knuckles or a fine would have been sufficient as the punishment handed out to him seems a bit harsher than what was required. But the British Olympic Association had to do what they had to do and Mark realises that. He knew the consequences I guess, but he can be a bit of a bad boy at times.

Colin Jackson was interviewed by David Bond