On behalf of all the Irish people who are celebrating with you tonight and on my own behalf, I send you warmest congratulations on your marvellous victory. - Former president Mary Robin- son after the first Olympic gold medal (July 1996)
Her training, dedication and determination have brought her just reward for this great victory. - Mr John Bruton, then Taoiseach (July 1996)
Absolutely tremendous achievement. Mr Bertie Ahern, then Fianna Fail leader (July 1996)
You don't know. You can't make false accusations. . .If you are asking me if the accusations are out there, I would say yes, they are. - American Olympic gold medallist Janet Evans after de Bruin's second medal win. (July 1996) Don't mind all of that crap. - President Clinton to Michelle de Bruin (July 1996)
I've never coached a tougher girl. . .I'd be very careful about saying she's doing anything illegal. - Deryk Snelling, who worked with de Bruin in Canada before the Olympics (July 1996)
As her Olympic year comes to an end, Michelle has accused the begrudgers in the Independent group of newspapers and The Irish Times to face up to the truth and present the truth. - Michelle Smith de Bruin's biographer, Cathal Dervan
See you in court. - Cathal Dervan to a number of Irish journalists who questioned de Bruin's achievements
In terms of experience or knowledge, they are light years removed from you or me, David Walsh (Sunday Times sports writer) or the next Irish journalist, most of whom don't know their arses from their elbows when it comes to the subject of Mr and Mrs Erik de Bruin. - Liam Hayes, editor of Ireland on Sunday.
If she is drug free, she is the most amazing swimmer since Kristin Otto. - Australian swimmer Elli Overton
Paul Kimmage used the word "shit" last Sunday. He did so in the Sunday Independent as he complained and whined and questioned the validity of Michelle Smith's achievements in Atlanta. - Liam Hayes in The Title (1996)
It appears to be a case of two plus two looking awfully like six. The circumstantial evidence is not decisive. . .but is very strong. - Dr Phillip Whitten, editor of Swimming World magazine
I wish they could put out a picture of her five years ago because no one would recognise her. I can't imagine how she has gained the muscle mass she has and still swim the 100,000 metres a week she is supposedly swimming. - Peter Banks, former Irish coach (1996)
She has never failed a random drug test by either FINA of the Olympic Council of Ireland. In official documents FINA states that she is in good standing... - Chalkie White writing in Swimming World magazine (1997)
Just a tissue of lies. Michelle has no case to answer. - Brian Smith, Michelle's father (1998)
The alcohol level was so high that you could not survive with that concentration... That normally indicates manipulation. - Prince Alexandre de Merode, IOC medical chief (1998)
The FINA Doping Panel found that the urine was manipulated by the swimmer. . . - FINA statement released yesterday.