Gunnell marvels at Marion

Former 400m hurdles gold medallist and BBC Olympic expert Sally Gunnell relishes Marion Jones's 100m win and praises some fine performances from Britain's women.

Marion Jones was simply breathtaking in winning the 100m.

It was a demonstration of how to sprint. She was so controlled and relaxed.

She proved what a phenomenal athlete she is and reminded me of the late Florence Griffith-Joyner at her very best.

This is the first leg of her quest to win five gold medals, and with a performance like that who can write her off?

But we always knew the sprints would be alright for her, it's the long-jump and the 4x400m relay that will be tough.

I thought it was nice that she was so pleased to win her first Olympic gold despite her supremacy.

Overall it was a good day for the British girls.

I was very impressed with Katharine Merry as she won her heat and went through to the semis of the 400m.

Katharine Merry

I haven't seen a British girl perform like that for a long time - 50.51secs was a brilliant time.

And I'm sure she has a lot more in reserve and should go on to get a medal.

But I don't think it will be gold, because Kathy Freeman of Australia is just in a different class.

Katharine Merry (right): Through to 400m final

Britain's Donna Fraser also qualified for the semis and she's capable of making the final, which would be a great achievement.

Kelly Holmes amazed us all again by qualifying for the 800m final.

She's barely raced this year because of injury.

But that means there isn't much pressure on her, which is an unusual situation. She is just savouring every moment.

Denise Lewis

Maria Mutola of Mozambique, the reigning Commonwealth champion, will be hot favourite for gold, but I think Kelly's determination could get her a medal.

Denise Lewis showed absolute strength of character to come back from a disastrous high jump.

She put in a good performance in the shot and then ran 24.34secs in the 200m, beating reigning Olympic champion Eunice Barber in the process.

Denise Lewis: In third place so far

Denise was wearing a bandage on the bottom of her leg, but don't worry, it was only precautionary.

She has had slight achilles problems for the last month, but her team have assured me she'll be alright.

Denise is 51 points behind impressive 22-year-old Natalya Sazanovich of Belarus, but she has the class and experience to come through and win.