He eventually finished six minutes after McColgan, but received roaring support from the crowd, as further evidence that these really are the ‘Friendly Games’.
After crossing the line, Letsie walked straight to the main grandstand, grabbed a glass of water and made her way through the mixed media area where rival competitors spoke to journalists from their respective countries.
It was a night to remember at Alexander Stadium on Wednesday. Credit: Getty
When I got her attention, she was surprised that someone wanted to talk to her.
Why wouldn’t we? She is the humanity we are supposed to see in sports. He also ran a personal best time.
“My confidence is not good now,” Letsie told me. “I’m a Ghanaian mother. I’m not on the court. I’m a Ghanaian mother. I can’t prepare well.”
When McColgan took on the Kenyans, Letsie was a distant last behind the rest of the field. It didn’t take long for fans to take notice, trying to lift her up at every turn.
She was dragged in the 11th, 18th and 25th minutes as the field climbed, forcing the men’s high jumpers, including Australia’s Brandon Starc, who claimed silver after winning gold four years ago, to wait to compete
Earlier, Australia’s Rohan Browning continued his good form from the heats, becoming the first Australian in 12 years to reach the men’s 100m final with a major run in the semi-final.
When it was time for the finals, the men took their places behind the blocks as a heartbeat blared over the loudspeakers.
Silence fell over the arena before one spectator could help himself. “Come England!” he bellowed repeatedly before someone managed to silence him.
Alas, England’s Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished last, Browning finished sixth, while forward Omanyala never looked like taking home anything but the gold.
Rohan Browning was sixth in the men’s 100m final. Credit: Getty Images
“I love the hype,” the burly Kenyan said afterwards. “I love the attention. I was still fast in rugby and I was still fast in track.”
South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who had gone into the race as his main threat, saw a silver lining in his silver medal: “Ferdinand’s win is good for Africa.”
As for Thompson-Herah, it was believed before the race that England’s Daryll Neita could beat her after coming through her semi-final.
As it happened, Thompson-Herah had kept her powder dry as she won her first Commonwealth Games 100m medal.
“I’m grateful,” he said. “I had a better run. I’m happy to get my first title. I came fourth in the 200m four years ago and so to go for the gold, I’m really excited about that.”
Her sights are now set on the women’s 200m, although the race will, disappointingly, not include compatriots Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, who both skipped the meet.
Some believe their absence erodes the relevance of the Commonwealth Games, and in some ways they are right.
Try telling that to McColgan though, who broke down in tears as the Scottish national anthem played.
He tries to tell Letsie, who is coming home with her children on Monday.
Hanson turns off the clock
There will be many farewells and graduations at these Games, but none will be felt more keenly among athletes – and journalists – than that of legendary media man Ian “Hanso” Hanson.
For decades, there has been no safer pair of hands for the sport than Hanson, who has secured nine Olympic Games and 10 Commonwealth Games, along with countless elite swimming meets, surfing carnivals and all the what’s in between
If I had a dollar for every time a clueless reporter was told to simply “Get Hanso,” I’d have Elon Musk’s bank balance.
If you see him at his beloved Currumbin Beach Surf Club, which you will, buy him a beer.
THE APPOINTMENT
“Members expect all Triathlon Australia staff to enjoy expensive trip to Birmingham, while athletes are told funding is low for athletes traveling to races in 2022. New CEO is enjoying his first great gaming game?” — Australian triathlon legend Emma Carney on Twitter. Toot! Toot! The Gravy Train will leave platform three at…
THUMBS UP
There’s throwing a can across the gym and then there’s throwing a can over your head successfully not once, but six times to claim Commonwealth Games gold as England’s Emily Campbell did in the lifting super heavy weights.
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THUMB DOWN
It may have taken five days, but surely some Australian supporter had to shout “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” Unless it was out of respect for Black Sabbath frontman and Brummie local Ozzy Osbourne, may we never hear that godforsaken statement again. Thanks.
Get all the latest news from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games here. We’ll be broadcasting the action live on the blog from 4pm to 10am each day.