After finding out I’d been successfully selected as one of three to make up the Isle of Man Athletics team, a whole new level of motivation kicked in. However, there was lots more to do than just keep training.

I had the privilege of being asked to attend and provide music at the Isle of Man Commonwealth Fundraising Gala, in addition to getting measured up for an abundance of kit. The official team announcement evening felt extra special, and it was an amazing opportunity to finally get to meet the rest of the team.

The Lugano Trophy & long haul flying

Training appeared to be going really well, and in late February, I found out I had been successful in being selected to represent England in the 2018 Lugano Trophy, over the 20km distance – an opportunity to see what sort of shape I was in prior to flying out to Australia.

Lugano ended up being one of my strongest performances to date, whereby I set a PB of 99:36, finishing 7^th in a very strong field alongside Olympians like Eleonora Georgi and Anezka Drahotova. It was just the confidence boost needed!

One week later, and I was on my first ever long-haul flight to the Gold Coast. This was a whole new experience in itself, having never travelled further than Europe. Note to self for future trips: Pack snacks for the plane – LOTS OF THEM. 

We spent our first 2 weeks in a holding camp in Sunshine Coast, which we shared with Team Scotland. It was a lovely little place in the middle of nowhere, where we were greeted with Aboriginal dances and koalas. 

L-R: Joe Harris, Erika Kelly & Joe Reid. Photo: Steve Partington

The Athletics team was made up of Joe Reid (800m runner), Joe Harris (Javelin), myself and our team leader/my coach, Steve Partington.

Our first mission after settling in, was to find the track, which thankfully wasn’t too far away. However, this would be the time that I would come to the realisation that training in the heat was on a whole new level of challenging.

With complete naivety, I embarked on an easy 10,000m… I think I lasted a whole 5 laps, before collapsing in a heap, unable to continue. I had totally underestimated what it meant to go from training in 15°C to ~30°C, despite doing some basic acclimatisation work pre-travel.

This initial experience, in addition to a few more days of training, had me feeling genuinely overwhelmed and concerned about how on earth I was going to adapt well enough to race over 20km. 

The village

Things did (very) slowly get easier, and before we knew it, the day came to move into the Commonwealth Village with over 6,000 other athletes.

It was an incredible environment to experience, with food outlets dotted around, baristas, gift shops, a gym, chill-out spaces and hair salons. 

Race day was slowly approaching, and it felt like the days were getting longer as I began to taper. I was confined to sleeping, eating, and minimal training, whilst avoiding the sun. I was so fortunate to be amongst some great company who kept me occupied, whilst we watched and cheered on the rest of Team IOM in their events.

And there was the added bonus of getting to meet up and train with fellow GB teammates Bethan, Heather and Gemma, in addition to friends from further afield!

L-R: Erika Kelly, Heather Lewis, Gemma Bridge, Bethan Davies, & Evan Dunfee. Photo: Provided by athlete

Time to race

Race day came, and so did a super early start to get prepared with breakfast, the correct kit, and making sure you got on the right minibus to the race start, which was situated miles away on the Currumbin Beachfront.

On arrival, it was slightly hazy and drizzling, and the air felt unexpectedly cool – near perfect conditions for the men’s 20km race, which had just begun. This was a really exciting race to witness, and I remember feeling really ready to get going myself.

The temperatures were however, creeping up quite rapidly, and I spent the majority of this pre-race time, sitting in the shade, wrapped in an ice vest, attempting to keep cool. 

Standing on that start line is up there as one of my proudest moments – daunting, but so, so exciting. The hard work was done. Do what you can do. 

Photo: Isle of Mann BBC

Do what you can do

I entered the race with a plan, one of which was flexible, with elements such as the heat and humidity to contend with.

The group was bunched together for the first few laps, before the pace started to really get going. I knew (with my huge lack of experience), that I needed to be smart.

The pacing was sensible, but not something I felt I could sustain in these temperatures, and at a meagre 3km in, I found myself questioning how I was going to get to the end. I had to make the decision to back off a little because more than anything, on a Commonwealth Games debut, I wanted to finish this race.

In slowing up however, I became quite isolated… but as the laps ticked off, it was clear to see that the heat was getting too much for some, and I found myself catching up and overtaking athletes, with others getting disqualified. As the race went on, I found myself longing for that finish line more and more, drenching myself in any water source I could find, whilst the heat continued to rise.

Those final few steps were incredible, as a fellow Manx supporter in the crowds held out a Manx flag at arm’s reach. It wasn’t a super speedy finishing time, or the performance of my life, but it subtly proved something – you can achieve so much more than you care to realise.

Want to run faster? For just £30 per month athletes are provided with a Final Surge plan for each day of the week, coaching advice from Robbie Britton and Tom Craggs, as well as access to the unique Fast Running Performance community.

If you would like more information on joining the project, click here. 

The post Going to the Games appeared first on Fast Running.

The 23-year-old followed up his 1500m podium moment in Australia – where IAAF President Coe personally presented the medal – with the first Scottish Record of his career last weekend.

Wightman took down Graham Williamson’s 1000m mark after a 34-year wait with a run of 2.16.27 in the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm and, subject to ratification procedure, that Scottish Record will appear alongside his name as his first at either age group or Senior level.

Now the British Champs and European Trials loom up at the Alexander Stadium on June 30 and July 1 and Coe believes Jake will be imbued with confidence, even though the selection race for Berlin is packed with fellow Scots like Chris O’Hare, Josh Kerr, Neil Gourley and even Williamson’s son, Jamie, as another emerging prospect.

You need to win that medal

‘I was very impressed with Jake in Australia, especially the way he attempted and attacked that 800m and 1500m double,’ Coe told scottishathletics, with Jake fourth in the 800m and third in the 1500m final in his fourth race in five days at Gold Coast 2018.

‘You need to win that medal. You are going there hoping to get on the podium and to win a medal.

‘I’m absolutely delighted because I go back a long way with the family. In fact, my daughter’s first PE teacher was Jake’s mum, Susan (Tooby). And, over the years, I have known his dad Geoff as well.

‘So, in Gold Coast, when that 1500m final came around and I knew I was scheduled to present the medals, I think I was sitting there in the stand even more nervous than Jake’s mum and dad!

‘I really wanted him to do well having been had some involvement with him, albeit in a small way and I’d stress I am not his mentor or coach or anything like that.

‘I’m sure he has taken great self-belief and confidence from it. He’s gone on now and taken a Scottish Record at 1000m and I believe that is his first at any age. So that’s another positive sign.

‘Jake really should now be on an upward trajectory and it is exciting to see what he can do.’

Strong words from Olympic Champion and former world record holder. Maybe one day Wightman may make an attempt at Coe’s British 1km record of 2:12.18, a world record when set in 1981 in Oslo. It sounds like the IAAF President would be happy to see it challenged.

The post Seb Coe hails Jake Wightman’s progression appeared first on Fast Running.

Of course, the brave run of Scotland’s Callum Hawkins, his welfare and the almost gold medal is important and of national interest, but so should the story of an unlikely recipient of a championship medal in the men’s marathon.

That performance of fellow Scot, Robbie Simpson, to work his way up the field to the bronze medal position is worthy of our respect and surely warrants more than a footnote?

So what is it with us Brits and our adoration for ‘heroic failure’? Take a look at these British headlines: “Michael Shelly wins CW Marathon as Callum Hawkins suffers collapse”, “Leader Hawkins collapses a mile from end of marathon”.

And one paper can’t even be bothered to find out the name of the runner in question: “Agonising moment British marathon runner collapses two miles from finish line”.

While not perfect either, but at least Fast Running went with: “Callum Hawkins collapses as Robbie Simpson bags marathon bronze”.

When Hawkins dropped the lead pack at 30km, Simpson was back in 12th. All eyes were on the 60 minute half marathoner at the front. Ultimately only one of the runners was racing within their capabilities, given the conditions.

Many will point out that Hawkins was going for gold and was indeed capable of winning. However, Simpson played it safer and might never have been in contention to win, yet walked away with a medal after judging the race superbly.

Like for like

Simpson is a humble and hardworking individual, much like Hawkins, and better known as a mountain runner, but has also made a sterling effort on the roads in recent years.

Photo: Bobby Gavin/scottishathletics

The Scotsman made the GB team for the World Championships in London last year, however, an injury derailed that marathon appearance alongside his compatriot.

A runner that can medal at both the World Mountain Running Championships and a Commonwealth Games marathon is a rare thing. Even possibly the greatest ever mountain runner, New Zealander Jono Wyatt, only managed sixth at the 2002 Manchester competition.

Whilst Wyatt finished sixth in a faster 2:14:20, when you take into consideration the conditions on the Gold Coast, Simpson’s 2:19:36 is the better result.

Heat adaptation is not something usually associated with Scotland’s athletes, but toughness is. Hawkins ran himself to collapse in that heat. Less toughened athletes might have stopped or eased off, but he left it all out there, determined not to slow down.

Is it this same toughness and a bit of racing know-how that enabled Simpson to advance through the field in the latter stages? This and perhaps his experiences in the mountains.

While road and track athletes, and fans alike, are becoming obsessed with times, Strava, and PBs; in a mountain race, time doesn’t matter, it’s just you against your opponents, the terrain and conditions.

In the mountains, Simpson has experienced similar sweltering heat, running to exhaustion at events like the 31km Sierre-Zinal race. It may be shorter in distance than a marathon, but the net uphill means the winners are competing for over 2 hours and 30 minutes and it’s also at altitude.

This experience, plus his toughness, meant Simpson was able to race excellently against everything he faced on the day.

What if the shoe was on the other foot?

Yet the Brits, or just everyone in general, still love a heroic failure. “Better to have tried and failed, than never to have tried at all” one might say? Are we just celebrating the unsuccessful hard push for victory, not the strong, tough finish for third?

How would it have been reported if it were the other way around? If Simpson had been the man in front, much like Yuki Kawauchi in the Boston Marathon on Monday, many would have said it was folly or poor pacing.

Photo: Twitter

So what even is the point of this article? Possibly just the desire to see a fellow Robbie get the praise he deserves for such a fine performance. I even got congratulated myself on Twitter, which was a little confusing. Hawkins ran bravely and deserves the plaudits for his attempt to win gold, that isn’t to be disagreed with.

But Simpson showed composure, self-control and raced excellently to grab the bronze medal. Well done Robbie Simpson on a fine performance.

The post Let’s not forget Robbie Simpson’s marathon bronze appeared first on Fast Running.

Hawkins had more than a two-minute lead when he collapsed in the closing stages of the men’s marathon at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday after falling victim to the hot conditions.

The 25-year-old was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital and following his discharge is now reunited with his teammates in the Commonwealth Games Village, ahead of their return home.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to all the medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital for their care over the last 24 hours,” said Hawkins. “It’s great to now be back with my teammates.”

Great to see @callhawk back in the #GC2018 village and reunited with his team mates ahead of the team travelling back to the UK! #TeamScot2018 pic.twitter.com/l8dQvVLeIG

— Team Scotland (@Team_Scotland) April 16, 2018

Team Scotland added: “We would like to thank all the supporters and well-wishers for their kind messages of support and the care and concern that has been shown, particularly here on the Gold Coast.”

There were widespread calls for Hawkins to have received medical attention earlier than he did and organisers have said that they will investigate whether there was an excessive delay.

Australia’s Mike Shelley, who was second when Hawkins collapsed, went on to win the marathon, while Uganda’s Munyo Mutai took silver and Scotland’s Robbie Simpson earned a superb bronze. Northern Ireland’s Kevin Seaward also finished well in fourth place.

The post Callum Hawkins discharged from hospital appeared first on Fast Running.

As the brutal conditions took their toll on all the runners, positions changed radically over the closing stages and Scotland gained a Commonwealth marathon medal from an unexpected source with Robbie Simpson clinching bronze.

Scottish favourite for gold, Hawkins seemed easy and in control for much of the race despite the temperatures of up to 27C. He dropped three close pursuers in the 28th kilometre and by 35km had built up a lead of well over two minutes over Shelley.

Photo: Bobby Gavin/scottishathletics

However, in the 40th kilometre, the Scot distressingly started weaving over the road and eventually collapsed into the curb. He resumed running again but a second fall left him unable to get back on to his feet.

He was lying in the road amid a long wait for medical attention as Shelley passed him. Hawkins, who was fourth at the World Championships last year, was reported one hour after the race to be conscious.

Team Scotland released a statement saying: “Callum has been taken to hospital for medical review following his collapse in the Marathon as is standard procedure.

“He is being supported by Team Scotland medical staff & there are no major concerns at this stage. More information to be issued in due course.”

Eventual winner Shelley had slowed to 5:48 miling over the final 2km as he clocked 2:16:46 – the second slowest time for victory since 1966.

Behind Uganda’s Munyo Mutai (2:19:02), Simpson, who is much of mountain runner as a marathoner, moved up from 12th at 30km passing his rivals one by one and crossed the line in 2:19:36 to take a superb bronze.

Photo: Bobby Gavin/scottishathletics

Northern Ireland’s Kevin Seaward was another to finish higher than expected in a fine fourth (2:19:54).

Guernsey’s Lee Merrien was eighth in 2:24:10, Wales’ Andrew Davies was 11th in 2:26:05 and Wales’ Josh Griffiths was 15th in 2:37:10.

Seven of the 24 starters failed to finish and Northern Ireland’s Paul Pollock was a late withdrawal due to a tarsal stress fracture he sustained last weekend.

Sonia Samuels led home the Brits in the women’s marathon in fifth as Namibia’s Helelalia Johannes took gold.

Johannes, 37, upgraded from fifth in Glasgow 2014 as she clocked 2:32:40, pulling away from Australia’s Lisa Weightman at 36km.
Weightman took second in 2:33:23, while her team-mate Jess Trengove gained bronze in 2:34:09.

Samuels clocked 2:36:59 as fellow England runner Aly Dixon was next home in 2:38:19. Wales’ Caryl Jones was eighth in 2:43:58 and fellow Welsh runner Eli Kirk was 15th in 2:57:01.

The post Callum Hawkins collapses as Robbie Simpson bags marathon bronze appeared first on Fast Running.

Olympian Pollock was set to compete over the 26.2 miles alongside Northern Ireland teammate and fellow Rio 2016 marathoner Kevin Seaward.

In a statement, Athletics NI said: “Unfortunately Team NI has announced that Paul Pollock will not be competing in tomorrow’s Commonwealth Games marathon due to an ankle injury.

“Paul arrived in Gold Coast for the Athletics NI Holding Camp and was midway through his planned training block when the injury developed.

“Despite the best efforts of support staff, there has not been enough time for the injury to settle. We wish Paul a speedy recovery.”

It is a disappointing blow for the 31-year-old, who was similarly forced to withdraw at the last minute before the World Championships in 2017, after suffering two metatarsal stress fractures in the prior week.

Pollock had been in a buoyant mood this season when he spoke to Fast Running in February, saying at the time: “I am feeling in great shape and definitely think I can run fast this year, so hopefully over the next few months I can get some PBs.”

The Gold Coast 2018 men’s marathon gets underway 8:15am on Sunday (local time) and 23:15 tonight in the UK and Ireland.

The post Paul Pollock withdraws from Commonwealth marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

England’s Weightman showed great determination, in what was her first 5000m at a major competition, to clinch the third podium spot over the final lap on the last day of athletics in the Carrara Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who won Commonwealth 1500m silver in Glasgow four years ago, clocked 15:25.84 after getting the better of Uganda’s Juliet Chekwel in the closing stages before powering down the home straight and crossing the line over four-second ahead of her rival.

Weightman definitely demonstrated her class over the longer distance but certainly felt it, commenting afterwards: “I’m asking myself the question of why I chose the 5000m instead of the 1500m with the pain I’m in now.”

World champion Hellen Obiri cliched gold ahead of her Kenyan compatriot Margaret Kipkemboi, clocking 15:13.11, while Scotland’s Eilish McColgan was sixth in 15:34.88.

“I like a challenge I suppose. I wanted to do something different,” added a delighted Weightman. “I’ve been doing 1500m since I was 21 so I thought, this was the chance to try the 5000m at a championships. I wanted to test myself and I’m really pleased I came here and did that.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get a medal. I’m going back to 1500m for this summer – it’s a little bit long for me right now. I was told to go out there and race and leave nothing out there. I was just thinking on the last lap, dig in and work hard – I’ve had a fantastic build-up to this race.

“When I went past the Ugandan athlete at 200m to go and she didn’t respond, I knew I’d got it. That last 100m I thought ‘ I can’t believe I’m about to do this’.”

RELATED: Laura Weightman’s independent training environment

After winning a fantastic 1500m bronze on Tuesday, Wales’ Melissa Courtney finished ninth over 5000m in 15:46.50, with Northern Ireland’s Emma Mitchell, who set a new Northern Irish 10,000m earlier in the week, 13th in 16:02.80.

Scotland’s Steph Twell was next for the home nations in 14th place running 16:05.65 with Guernsey’s Sarah Mercier clocking 17:00.52 to finish in 16th.

Last month, two-time Olympic 1500m finalist Weightman, set a 5K road personal best 15:25 and moved up to number four on the UK all-time rankings.

Fast Running will keep you up to date on all of the running action at the Commonwealth Games, which can be found here, and check back later this morning for today’s report from Gold Coast 2018.

The post Laura Weightman wins Commonwealth 5000m bronze appeared first on Fast Running.

After her superb PB in the semi-final, Bell was a creditable fifth in the 800m final on Friday (April 13) behind the overwhelming favourite Caster Semenya.

As the South African Olympic champion easily won in 1:56.68, Kenya’s Rio 2016 bronze medallist Margaret Wambui came through for silver in 1:58.07.

Following the victory in the steeplechase of her compatriot Aisha Praught earlier in the week, Natoya Goule produced another surprise middle-distance medal for Jamaica as she set a PB 1:58.82. Bell was near her best with 2:00.83.

Behind a predictable Kenyan one-two-three in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, the home nations athletes performed solidly. World and Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto assuredly won gold in a Games record of 8:10.08, having time to urge on his team-mates in the home straight. Abraham Kibiwott was clear in second. Most neutrals were willing on Canada’s Matthew Hughes to a bronze medal but after a courageous run he was passed in the home straight by Amos Kirui.

Hopkins was just nine hundredths off his PB as he finished sixth in 8:34.12 – one place ahead of team-mate Ieuan Thomas (8:40.02), while
Northern Ireland’s Adam Kirk-Smith was next in 8:48.40.

England’s James Arnott took silver in the 100m T47 for athletes with an upper limb impairment. He ran 11.30 behind winner Suwaibidu Galadima of Nigeria, who clocked 11.04. Jamaica’s Tevaughn Thomas took bronze in 11.63, ahead of Wales’ Morgan Jones (11.93).

10,000m ninth place for Vernon

England’s Andy Vernon, in his third Commonwealth Games, came home ninth in the 10,000m in 28:17.11 behind Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, who completed his Gold Coast double.

In a repeat of the 5000m, he beat Canada’s Mohammed Ahmed into the silver medal position. The winning time of 27:19.62 was a Games record ahead of Ahmed’s 27:20.56. Kenya’s Rodgers Kwemoi took bronze in 27:28.66.

After the race Vernon commented: “It was a tough race. It went off through the first 3k at about 27.30 pace, which is above my PB pace. I haven’t had the same build-up that I usually would going into the race.

“I’ve done a lot of work over winter on my own and trying to get ready for a world-class 10,000m race on your own without people to help you is tough. It is what it is, I did my best and prepared as well as I could have- having said that, I did have a setback a couple of months ago where I was out for about three weeks carrying what I thought was an recurring injury from last year.

“It was a bit annoying and it took me a while to get going again. I feel like I’ve been playing a bit of catch up, and that’s not great. The pace was surging from the start which was a struggle too. I could have done with it going out a little slower and then building up – it’s easier to run like that. Now I plan to go back home and prepare for Highgate.”

After his fourth in the 800m final, Scotland’s Jake Wightman resumed his hunt for a medal in his favoured event, the 1500m. Finishing third an automatic qualifier, he clocked 3:47.16 behind world champion Elijah Manangoi.

England’s Charlie Grice also went through by right in fourth with 3:47.16.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Scotland’s Chris O’Hare qualified as fastest loser from the other heat, finishing fifth in 3:44.76.

However, Wales’ Tom Marshall, who features on Fast Running as part of the class of 2018 misses out after finishing eighth in 3:50.95, along with teammate Rowan Axe (3:49.89) and Jersey’s Elliott Dorey (3:52.75).

English athletes Tiffany Porter and Alicia Barrett were outside of the medals in a 100m hurdles final won by Nigeria’s Oluwatobiloba Amusan in 12.68. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams (12.78) was second and her team-mate, Yanique Thompson (12.97) was third.

Porter, the former world bronze medallist, was sixth in 13.12, and Barrett, who excelled to make the final, was eighth in 13.64.

While England’s quartet qualified fastest for the men’s 4x100m final, their 4x400m counterparts suffered misery as Matt Hudson-Smith pulled up injured on the first leg just five seconds after the gun.

The sprint quartet of Reuben Arthur, Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey ran 38.15 – 0.13 outside the best ever by a team representing England – as they beat Jamaica into the runner-up position in the second heat. South Africa won the other heat in 38.71.

Jamaica were quickest in the longer relay as England’s hopes of gold disintegrated with the misfortune of Hudson-Smith, who had been disqualified for running out of his lane in the individual event.

The post Alex Bell and Jonathan Hopkins impress in finals appeared first on Fast Running.

On an eventful fifth day of athletics at the Carrara Stadium Track, the home nations sprinters experienced both joy and heartbreak. Dina Asher-Smith took bronze in the women’s 200m before England team-mate Zharnel Hughes appeared to take victory in the men’s event only to be disqualified, with Northern Ireland’s Leon Reid promoted to bronze.

For Langford, gold was in his sights as he rapidly closed on the eventual winner, Wycliffe Kinyamal of Kenya, down the home straight but, although his 1:45.16 was a personal best, he was ultimately five hundredths adrift.

After a slow first 400m, the race picked up in the back straight as Kinyamal and pre-race favourite Nijel Amos led with 200m to go.

Still fifth and a second behind Kimyamal with 100m left, Langford then slowed less than his rivals, although he arguably left his charge too late.

The 22-year-old, who was fourth in the world final last year, was followed home by Australia’s Luke Mathews, who ran 1:45.60 to just beat Scotland’s Jake Wightman (1:45.82) for bronze.

Bronze for Asher-Smith and Reid

Running in a field which would not have looked out of place in a world or Olympic final, Asher-Smith finished behind the dominant Bahamian Shanae Miller-Uibo (22.09) and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson (22.18).

Asher-Smith, who just pipped Olympic 100m and 200m champion Elaine Thompson of Jamaica, ran 22.29 – her fifth fastest ever time. England’s Bianca Williams was sixth in 23.06.

Moments later England team-mate Hughes formed a big lead in the first 150m of the men’s half-lap. However, Trinidad & Tobago’s Jereem Richards quickly closed him down and applied enough pressure that Hughes began to lose form in the dying metres.

The pair clashed arms and, although Hughes was given the win initially, 20.12 to 20.14, the England team knew they had a nervous wait for a potential protest. As feared, Hughes was disqualified for stepping out of his lane and impeding another athlete.

What really happened between @zharnel_hughes & @Reemy_rich19 in the Men's 200m Final @GC2018 #TTO #ENG pic.twitter.com/DTRFX1hIvY

— Michael Bascombe (@mbascombe) April 12, 2018

Canada’s Aaron Brown thus took silver in 20.34, meaning Northern Ireland’s Reid, who features on Fast Running in the class of 2018, was elevated to bronze in 20.55, winning the nations first Commonwealth medal in 28 years.

“I had a little cry,” he said afterwards. “I’m very excited. I’m going to find my Mum and celebrate tonight.

“Most importantly for the team, I hope we can all move up together. All of them were here supporting me and I feel they were there in the last 50 with me. I could hear my name being screamed and I wasn’t going to give up. I fought to the end and it managed to pay off.”

Silver for Doyle

Scotland’s Eilidh Doyle took silver in the 400m hurdles for the third Commonwealths in succession.

While Jamaica’s Janieve Russell always looked the winner, stopping the clock on 54.33, Doyle finished strongly to win a close tussle for the minor medals in 54.80 – her fastest in these Games.

Crossing the line 0.16 seconds ahead of South Africa’s bronze medallist Wenda Nel, she claimed her 16th medal at European, Commonwealth or world level.

Gold for Hahn

Hahn was just two hundredths outside her world record as she won the 100m T38 for athletes with cerebral palsy. Her 12.46 was a Games record as she beat Australia’s Rhiannon Clarke (13.17) and Wales’ Olivia Breen (13.35).

England’s Katrina Hart was sixth in 14.82.

English hurdler Jack Green was satisfied with his fourth in the corresponding men’s 400m hurdles.

His 49.18 left him just two hundredths outside the medals as British Virgin Islands’ Kyron McMaster took gold in 48.25 ahead of Bahamas’ Jeffrey Gibson (49.10) and Jamaica’s Jaheel Hyde.

Mixed women’s 800m for home nations

As Scotland’s medal hopeful Lynsey Sharp surprisingly failed to qualify for the final, England’s Alexandra Bell excelled with a PB to be the only home nations success in the 800m heats.

Bell sliced 0.42 off her best with 2:00.11 as she placed behind only Caster Semenya, who looked easy in clocking 1:59.26. Both went through as automatic qualifiers.

Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, who won world indoor bronze last month, ran a solid 2:00.81 but found this not enough to go through, crossing the line third in her semi.

Northern Ireland’s Ciara Mageean was seventh in that race, running 2:03.30.

Sharp, who won silver in Glasgow 2014, had felt she was in the shape of her life, but she could place only fourth in her race, running 2:01.33 behind Kenyan winner Emily Tuei and Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo.

In the 100m hurdles, England’s former world bronze medallist Tiffany Porter qualified automatically for the final, finishing third in her heat with 12.99 behind Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, whose 12.69 was the fastest of the round.

In the other heat, England’s Alicia Barrett went through as a fastest loser as she was fourth in 13.19. However, Wales’ Caryl Granville failed to advance, finishing seventh in 13.98.

In the 100m T12 for athletes with visual impairment, England’s Zachary Shaw and Wales’ James Ledger went out at the semi-final stage, running 11.58 and 11.77 respectively for second and third. South Africa’s Ndodomzi Ntutu took gold in the final in 11.02.

The post Dramatic day for home nations at Gold Coast 2018 appeared first on Fast Running.

Scottish teenager Lyle took the only home nations athletics medal in the Carrara Stadium on Wednesday (April 11), winning silver in the 100m T35 final behind Australia’s world record-holder and winner Isis Holt, who clocked 13.58.

Lyle’s time of 15.14 was well outside her UK record but was strong enough to see off eventual bronze medallist Brianna Coop of Australia.

England’s Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes qualified impressively for the 200m final. Asher-Smith led for most of her semi-final before easing up and being passed by Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson.

Her time of 22.44 behind the winner’s time of 22.28 suggests her UK record of 22.07 could be under threat in the final, where she will also face Olympic 200m and 400m champions in Elaine Thompson and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

“I was running well, obviously you want to go and win a semi-final and put down a good time, but I eased off,” she said. “It’s easy to get into a battle, but I had this thought in the back of my mind that it’s only a semi-final.

“I want to come out here and do well, and also see the other girls do well – we’re a team. I’m looking forward to the final – I’ve qualified with a decent time and I didn’t feel too bad doing it, so I’ll take that.”

England’s Bianca Williams was third in her semi-final with 23.23 but it was enough to qualify her as a fastest loser. Team-mate Finette Agyapong was also third but, with 23.38, will progress no further. Northern Ireland’s Amy Foster was last in her semi with 24.02.

Hughes looked easy as he won his semi-final in 20.37, while Northern Ireland’s Leon Reid placed second in his race in a season’s best 20.61.

The Northern Ireland sprinter, who has been sharing his journey this year on Fast Running, came from fifth place to clinch the second automatic spot behind Trinidad’s Jereem Richards in his semi-final, qualifying as the sixth-fastest overall.

“I managed to come through in the end and I’m ready to go now,” he said. “I held my position and got the job done. I’ll now approach it the same as any other race. I’ll recover and go again.

“I’m happy. My mum is here. My family is here. I’m glad they were able to see it, especially on this night when there is nearly a full house.

“I was thinking ‘I’m going to leave everything on the track.’ This was my final.”

Strong steeplechase fourth for England’s Clarke

Earlier England’s Rosie Clarke was fourth in a 3000m steeplechase surprisingly won by Jamaica’s Aisha Praught. Clarke ran 9:36.29, which was within five seconds of her PB.

“I thoroughly enjoyed that,” reflected Clarke afterwards. “Me and my coach decided that whatever happens, just go for it and don’t leave anything out there. I definitely did that.

“I thought I was going to be able to take it on, but when I heard the bell go I felt my legs going. In chase, you can’t just go for it when you’ve still got barriers to go. The girls ahead of me are all incredible so I can’t complain about finishing fourth. I came into this ranked seventh, so I wanted to come out better than that so I’m really chuffed.”

Her performance was a little overshadowed by a great race at the front as Praught overhauled favourite Celliphine Chespol, who went into the last lap with a lead of more than two seconds.

The Kenyan, who is the second fastest in history, still led by more than five metres with 200m to go, but Praught had the momentum on the last water jump to pass her rival before the final barrier.

Running 9:21.00, she is Jamaica’s first medallist in at the Commonwealth Games in an event longer than 800m. Behind Chespol’s 9:22,61, Kenya’s Purity Kirui was third in 9:25.74.

England’s Iona Lake was eighth in 9:58.92, two places ahead of Scotland’s Lennie Waite (10:21.72).

The only other running final in the session, the women’s 400m, ended with victory for Botswana’s former world champion Amantle Montsho, who regained her 2010 title.

Jamaica’s Anastasia Le Roy set a PB of 50.57 for silver as she beat countrywoman Stephenie-Ann McPherson (50.93) into the bronze medal position.

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