Libby Clegg claimed Scotland’s first Athletics Gold medal at a Commonwealth Games for 20 years – since Yvonne Murray won the 10,000m in 1994.
The Para-sprinter, and guide runner Mikail Huggins, lapped up the moment at Hampden with their World Lead 12.20 seconds securing emphatic success in the T12 100m final.
Clegg took pride of place on the podium with a raucous Hampden crowd delighting in her success.
“I was totally aware of the crowd beforehand and it was so uplifting,’ said Libby. I didn’t feel huge pressure over the past couple of years to win this medal, but I was definitely a little bit nervous this morning before the heat.
“We’ve ran well in both races today and I am happy with the performance and the time. I didn’t realise it was Scotland’s first track Gold at a Commonwealth Games since 1994 (Yvonne Murray). Wow. That’s a big thing.
“The lap of honour took a fair bit of time because we kept meeting people. I met old friends from school, my mum, my dad, my boyfriend, family of Mikail, and everyone was so happy for us. We will savour this moment and then look to the Europeans.
Guide Runner Mikail Huggins said: “We did it together and we ran well. At about 60m I had the feeling it was in the bag. I just told Libby that we could keep it controlled and we’d win.The people of Scotland have been great for me and I’ve loved the support.”
It was a decent day all round for Team Scotland, with Susan McKelvie (sixth) and Rachel Hunter (seventh) reaching the top eight in the women’s hammer final and Mark Dry, Chris Bennett and Andy Frost all qualifying for the men’s hammer final.
McKelvie threw 63.76 in the women’s hammer final with Hunter one place below her at 63.29. Myra Perkins finished 10th to miss out on the additional three throws for the top eight.
Susan said: “I am 5ft 3in and working full-time so I’m pleased to be sixth in a Commonwealth final. I had a look at the women around me and they are full-time, class athletes. I’d love to have managed a PB, and I did think I could get that, but I’m pleased to be top Scot. I will carry on throwing because I love doing that for Edinburgh AC.”
Three Scottish men will contest the hammer final with progress from qualifying by Mark Dry, Chris Bennett and Andy Frost. Dry made it with 71.62 in his first throw to automatically qualify.
Mark said: “I had to take a deep breath when we came out of the tunnel. The dream scenario on these occasions is one throw and then you are through. Now I’ve had a taste for it and we will see what happens in the final.”
Bennett went through with 68.01 and Frost came up with 66.54 on his second throw to join his Team Scotland team-mates.
Jason MacLean savoured a PB of 12.93 in his 100m T37 final, after coming through his heat earlier on Monday. He finished fifth in a fine performance by the Inverness Harriers athlete saying after the race: “I’m delighted I ran a PB tonight. I’m not long into the sport and I’ve run my fastest at Hampden in a Commonwealth final – it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Laura Muir safely made it through to Tuesday’s 1500m final in third in 4.05.19. Laura said: “The noise was something else. It was like a wave of sound following me round the track. Even when I was walking out I could hear the cheers of, ‘come on Laura’ and that was before I lined up. I’m happy with today. My focus is Tuesday now. I am really looking forward to it.”
High jumper Ray Bobrownicki progressed with 2.20m to reach Wednesday’s final but David Smith exited with 2.11m his best clearance. Allan Smith had withdrawn himself from competition.
Eilidh Child is in qualifying action on Tuesday morning in the 400m hurdles, with Muir’s final late in the evening programme.
Photo Credit: Getty Images