Fourteen men contested the 94kg category in weightlifting this afternoon including Scotland’s very own Peter Kirkbride who jumped for joy when he was awarded the silver medal, breaking two records on the way.

An emotional Kirkbride said, “I am ecstatic. It’s a good result, not just for me, but for everyone that’s supported me.”

The reigning British Champion and holder of three Scottish and British records before competition was looking to add a medal to his accolades.

Going into the snatch at 140kg, 5kg heavier than originally intended, Peter shook off his nerves and had a ‘good lift’. 144kg was the next challenge which he lifted comfortably but 146kg in his third attempt was just out of reach.

Kirkbride, who competed four years ago in Melbourne finishing 6th, and claimed gold at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games, was lying second going into the Clean & Jerk discipline.

He started with 182kg, moving him into the lead; maintained that with a 186kg second lift and went for 189kg in his final attempt and made it look easy giving him a combined total of 333kg.

He jumped for joy as he left the podium and waited anxiously for the final two opponents to challenge him. But when gold looked all but his, Faauliuli of Samoa, in the last lift of the competition, successfully lifted 192kg to grab the gold by a single kilogram.

Neither athlete or coach weree disappointed and are delighted with the medal. Charles Hamilton, who has coached Kirkbride since the age of 11 held back his tears of joy and said, “Words can’t describe how I am feeling. The boy performed brilliantly and got new British and Scottish records in the Clean & Jerk so there’s not much more we can ask for.”

Kirkbride concluded, “I really have something to be proud of. It’s amazing. I gave it my all.”

Team mate Tommy Yule looks to continue his Commonwealth success tomorrow when he competes in the 105kg at 18.30hrs.