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Carl Hayman: Enormous pressure on Ian Foster, results put him in trouble

Carl Hayman: Enormous pressure on Ian Foster, results put him in trouble

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has pressure coming down on him after a run of poor test results.

Hagen-Hopkins/Getty Images

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has pressure coming down on him after a run of poor test results.

Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman believes there is “enormous pressure” on coach Ian Foster in South Africa though it feels replacing him with Scott Robertson is “delicate”.

The All Blacks faced the Springboks twice over the next two weekends off the back of a historic lost series to Ireland in New Zealand.

The decline of the All Blacks continues to garner headlines around the globe, especially in France who host next year’s World Cup and where Hayman remains such a respected figure after his glory days with Toulon.

“There is enormous pressure on Foster and the results put him in trouble,” Hayman, who played 45 tests for New Zealand told French newspaper Midi Olympique.

READMORE:
* Former test coach slams All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s critics but savages NZ rugby
* Mils Muliaina, Stephen Donald back ‘defiant’ Ian Foster to solve All Blacks puzzle
* Remembering 2009: What the All Blacks face back to back against the Boks in South Africa

”But I will give him time to finish this year, to defend his chances and his work during the Rugby Championship and then the autumn tour. At that point, it will be time to take stock and make the right decisions. And then, what are the other solutions?

“A lot of people are pushing for Scott Robertson. He has some pretty incredible results with the Crusaders and Robertson has already said that if he does not get the job at the head of the All Blacks, he will try an experience abroad.

“This makes this file particularly delicate to manage for the NZR. For 10 or 20 years, New Zealand has already seen many of its best coaches go abroad. In Europe, in particular.

“This is a real problem for our rugby. All these great coaches put their talents to the benefit of other nations. Robertson’s situation is therefore particularly scrutinized in the country,” he told Midi Olympique.

All Blacks prop Carl Hayman, left, knows what it's like to be in a struggling All Blacks team.

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All Blacks prop Carl Hayman, left, knows what it’s like to be in a struggling All Blacks team.

Hayman knows all about All Blacks teams operating under pressure. The 42-year-old featured at two World Cup failures – the 2003 semifinal exit to Australia and the shock 2007 quarter-final loss to France.

He felt the current All Blacks were in a rebuilding phase after a long period of success with Sir Graham Henry and Sir Steve Hansen.

”Many people are very critical of the All Blacks. It has been a very long time since we have experienced such periods of difficulty. There is frustration and the supporters are very vocal. I try to keep a little more perspective,” Hayman said.

“I believe that professional sport is made of cycles. New Zealand have often been dominant, it’s true, and they really experienced an exceptional period after the failure of 2007. This was the starting point of a fabulous era. But the heroes of the titles of 2011 and 2015 have now retired. We have to rebuild. This is our current cycle. That takes time.”

Hayman, one of more than 100 former rugby players taking legal action against World Rugby and the national governing bodies of England and Wales over what they say was a failure to protect them from permanent injury caused by repeated concussions during their careers, believes the All Blacks still have time to turn their fortunes around for next year’s World Cup.

He said that could even happen at the current tournament, it has been the case in previous World Cups.

“History shows us that a lot can happen in a year. The favorite of a World Cup has not always been the winner, far from it. The reverse is also true,” Hayman told Midi Olympique.

“In 2011, for example, France reached the final after a failed group stage and a defeat against Tonga. The final, the French should certainly have won it, if we are honest… This shows how quickly a dynamic can be reversed. It’s not too late for New Zealand.”

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Dons punish depleted Roos to continue strong late-season form

Dons punish depleted Roos to continue strong late-season form

IF PART of Essendon’s struggles this season can be attributed to the injury-affected absence of Jake Stringer, then Sunday was a reminder of what the Bombers can be with their gamechanger at his best.

In the first quarter alone, Stringer booted three goals from the midfield in a ballistic burst that set the tone in Essendon’s 48-point win over North Melbourne.

BOMBERS V KANGAROOS Full match details and stats

The 28-year-old bookended his day with two last-quarter goals to finish with five majors as the Bombers steadily built on their lead through the game to claim the 17.12 (114) to 9.12 (66) victory.

Stringer remains Essendon’s chief matchwinner and his performance also included 14 disposals and six tackles in a damaging display for the Bombers, who recorded their highest score of the year.

It was their fourth win from five games in a turn of form that has lifted them slightly up the ladder and also raised spirits about a season that had otherwise been an ugly backwards step.

Despite losing in-form midfielder Dylan Shiel to a hamstring injury pre-game, the Bombers got on top around the ball, with Zach Merrett excellent with 38 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal, defender Mason Redman collected 32 disposals off half-back. Dyson Heppell, too, was consistent, while James Stewart returned to the Bombers’ line-up with three goals.

Jy Simpkin tried valiantly in the midfield for the Roos with a career-best 41 disposals, while Cam Zurhaar was a threat throughout, finishing with four goals for the last-placed Kangaroos.

Stringer was sharp early. He kicked the first of the day from the goal line and had three by quarter-time, including a set shot and a clever snap.

Starting in the center and pushing forward, Stringer was back to some of his brilliant 2021 form when he kicked 41 goals from 19 games and won several matches off his own boot for his team.

The Bombers’ efficiency going forward made them dangerous in attack to hand them a 15-point lead at the first change.

North’s own raging bull Zurhaar was standing in the way of a heavy defeat. He booted a goal to start the second term, his second of the day, and caused some headaches within 50 for the Roos.

The Roos star kicked his third in the dying moments of the half to keep his side within reach of the Bombers, who had stretched their lead to 30 points just before the main break.

DON EARNS PRAISE In-form Redman lauded, Roos rue missed chances

But Peter Wright got involved in the third quarter with two goals as the Bombers stretched their lead to 33 points at the final change, as Essendon ran away with its eighth straight win over North Melbourne dating back to 2016.

Redman’s star continues to rise
Mason Redman was in doubt to face the Kangaroos after being sent to hospital last week after coughing up blood against Collingwood. But he played, and played very well, as a crucial member of the Bombers’ win over the Roos. Redman picked up 32 disposals, including 19 in the first half, and continued his brilliant form off half-back. His run and carry from him has been consistent throughout the year even when the Bombers were struggling, and his goal from him from long range in the second quarter added to his highlights from him. He should be leading the club’s best and fairest.

McKay and Wright in tight battle
In his 50th AFL game, North Melbourne full-back Ben McKay emerged as one of North’s best in his battle with Peter Wright. Wright had entered the game with 45 goals for the season after 19 games, but he met his match in McKay, who was less interceptor than usual but instead spoiled many of Wright’s marking attempts in the first half. Wright was better after the main break, kicking two goals and being more involved, but it was an even contest.

And at the other end…
The emergence of Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been a good find for the Bombers in the past month. The key back has played five games in a row since coming into the side against the Swans in round 16 and grown with every game. On Sunday he took on Kangaroos key forward Nick Larkey, who managed just seven disposals and three behinds. Zerk-Thatcher has been on the fringe of selection in recent seasons but has improved to find his spot in Essendon’s back half and had 14 disposals himself.

ESSENDON 5.1 9.5 13.6 17.12 (114)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.4 5.6 7.9 9.12 (66)

GOALS
Essendon: Stringer 5, Stewart 3, Jones 2, Langford 2, Wright 2, Guelfi, Merrett, Redman
NorthMelbourne: Zurhaar 4, Anderson, Coleman-Jones, Goldstein, Scott, Turner

BEST
Essendon: Redman, Merrett, Stringer, Zerk-Thatcher, Hind, Ridley
NorthMelbourne: Simpkin, Zurhaar, Anderson, Stephenson, McKay, Scott

INJURIES
Essendon: Caldwell (calf)
NorthMelbourne: nil

LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Dylan Shiel (hamstring) replaced by Archie Perkins
NorthMelbourne: Lachie Young, Jack Mahony (health and safety protocols) replaced by Phoenix Spicer, Kayne Turner

SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Jye Menzie (replaced Jye Caldwell in the third quarter)
NorthMelbourne: Josh Walker (unused)

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Fernando Alonso signs two-year deal to remain in Formula 1 with Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso smiles

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso will extend his Formula One career by joining Aston Martin next season.

The 41-year-old Spaniard will replace Sebastian Vettel, who announced his retirement last week.

Aston Martin said on Monday that it signed Alonso to a multi-year deal.

“No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me,” Alonso said of Aston Martin.

“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organization that is committed to learn, develop and succeed.”

Alonso will be going into his 20th season in F1.

He won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006. He took two years off in 2019 and 2020 to race in other series, including runs at the Indy 500.

Fernando Alonso celebrates F1 title win in Brazil
Fernando Alonso twice won the Formula 1 drivers world title for Renault.(Reuters)

“I have witnessed the excitement in the engineering team and throughout the whole organization at the opportunity to work with Fernando,” Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said.

“We know that nearly everyone can learn from someone of Fernando’s caliber and experience. We are confident that he will inspire everyone to lift their game.”

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Inside Ash Barty’s secret wedding to long-term love Garry Kissick

Inside Ash Barty's secret wedding to long-term love Garry Kissick

Ash Barty is notoriously secretive about her private life but pictures from her intimate Queensland wedding have pulled back the curtain.

The tennis great married her long-term love Garry Kissick in a private ceremony earlier this month, breaking the news on social media on Saturday night.

Captioned ‘Husband and wife’, the pair revealed little about the day they said ‘I do’.

Barty stunned in a Suzanne Harward-designed dress, whose gowns can cost upwards of $10,000.

The pair also tagged the Balter Brewing Company, suggesting the craft brewery provided refreshments for the evening.

Barty’s friends and family kept the news of the nuptials under wraps until the couple posted on social media.

Guests included Australian tennis stars Pat Rafter, Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua, according to the Courier Mail.

Kissick popped the question in November last year.

Barty revealed the happy news in an Instagram post, sharing a photo of the couple embracing with an engagement ring visible on her finger.

Barty has, for the most part, kept her relationship with Kissick relatively quiet.

The couple met at the Brookwater Golf Club in 2016. The sporting duo immediately clicked and went public with their relationship in 2017 when they attended the John Newcombe Awards together.

Kissick is an aspiring professional golfer, and works as the irrigation technician for the greens at the Brookwater Golf & Country Club in Brisbane.

The 29-year-old is a passionate Liverpool supporter and part of the PGA Trainee programme.

Read related topics:Ash Barty Brisbane

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Prince William and Charlotte prove to be good luck for Britain’s Lionesses

Prince William and Charlotte prove to be good luck for Britain's Lionesses

The Queen has led a jubilant nation in congratulating England’s Lionesses after they ended half a century of hurt by winning the nation’s first major football trophy since 1966.

Within minutes of the Women’s Euros win the monarch said captain Leah Williamson and her players had “rightly won praise” for their win but that their success “goes far beyond the trophy” they won for beating Germany 2-1.

She praised them for setting “an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations”.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, attends the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Camera IconPrince William at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany. Credit: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Up in the royal box at the game, the Duke of Cambridge leapt to his feet at the win and was there to congratulate the players.

And, it seems he may have helped bring the team luck, hours earlier posting a video message with daughter Princess Charlotte, seven, wishing the team “good luck”.

The Queen presented England’s only previous major football trophy – the men’s World Cup – to captain Bobby Moore at the old Wembley in 1966.

On Monday morning (Perth time), the 87,192-strong crowd at the new Wembley smashed the record for a men’s or women’s Euros final.

As many as 15 million were watching around the UK on television – another record for women’s football, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his children.

He said: “Football has come home! A stunning victory. Huge congratulations to [manager Sarina Wiegman]Leah and the whole team.”

David Baddiel, whose “It’s Coming Home!” lyric from 1996 football anthem Three Lions, echoed around Wembley, also praised the team.

The comedian tweeted: “Home. In fact it’s come home. A sentence I thought I’d never write. I’ve gone. Thank you Lionesses.”

The Spice Girls paid tribute to the “true girl power” of the Lionesses and men’s England captain Harry Kane hailed the “absolutely unreal scenes”.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Jill Scott of England shakes hands with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, after the final whistle of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
Camera IconJill Scott of England shakes hands with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, after the final whistle. Credit: Harriet Lander/Getty Images

FA head of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said she was confident the win would have a legacy for women’s and girls’ football.

“I hope it’s spreading wonderful feelings of hope and happiness to the whole nation,” she added.

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Liverpool vs. Manchester City – Football Match Report – July 30, 2022

Liverpool vs. Manchester City - Football Match Report - July 30, 2022

Summer signing Darwin Nunez scored as Liverpool beat Premier League champions Manchester City 3-1 to claim the FA Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

The Uruguayan player, acquired from Benfica for an initial fee of €75 million, made himself an instant fan favorite after capping a lively appearance off the bench with a stoppage time goal to secure the first trophy of the season.

Despite being without Nunez in the first half, Liverpool were quick to strike, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opening the scoring in the 21st minute. His first-time strike took a slight deflection off the head of Nathan Ake and nestled in off the post.

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City’s Erling Haaland started his second game since signing for Pep Guardiola’s team and spurned two chances to draw level shortly before half-time.

Jurgen Klopp introduced new man Nunez from the bench an hour in, and Liverpool continued to look dangerous going forward, with City desperate for an equaliser.

And while all eyes were on Haaland, it was another summer signing — Julian Alvarez — who drew the game level in the 70th minute.

The Argentina forward squeezed a shot past Adrian after a goalmouth scramble that saw Phil Foden win the ball from the Spanish goalkeeper. Alvarez’s goal was initially ruled out as his original run in behind was deemed offside, but a lengthy VAR check ended with Craig Pawson overturning the decision.

But the goal didn’t keep City on level terms for long. Nunez drew a handball from Ruben Dias in the penalty area that eventually was awarded through VAR as a penalty. Mohamed Salah dispatched the spot kick with ease.

Victory was ensured for Klopp’s side in added time — and Nunez got his goal. He had to home past Ederson to give Liverpool a two-goal cushion and ensure a perfect start to his tenure at Anfield.

“Our season started today, and it was important for us to get off on the right foot,” said Alexander-Arnold, who was full of praise for 23-year-old Nunez’s impact.

“He won the penalty, scored a goal and looked very lively. He’s been brought in to score goals, and he’s proved he can do that today,” he said.

“He’s a top player, a young player who is willing to learn. He’s bonded well with the lads. He came on with a point to prove.”

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

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Australian track cycling hit with equipment drama at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Matt Glaetzer and Tom Cornish ride

Australian cycling’s governing body AusCycling has been forced to remove handlebars from its track bikes being used in the 1,000m time trial at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games due to them being unsafe for use.

That didn’t stop Australia’s trio of riders though as Matt Glaetzer roared to a stunning gold medal, beating fellow Aussie Tom Cornish by over half a second into silver.

It was Glaezer’s fifth Commonwealth Games gold.

Matt Richardson came fourth behind bronze medalist Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago.

The performance of the Aussies was all the more remarkable given the fact that all three were riding a set up that was theoretically slower than their competitors.

In a statement released just hours before the event was due to start, AusCycling said the pursuit bars used in Monday’s 1,000m time trial “cannot be used safely” and that drop bars would be used instead.

The statement read that the drop bars would be “marginally slower” but would “tolerate the loads generated during competition”.

“We acknowledge that this decision has created a degree of disappointment,” Jesse Korf, AusCycling’s performance manager said.

“But the riders and the broader team understand that safety is our top priority.”

Drop bars are the same configuration that the riders use in the power-based sprint events and are positioned at either side and slightly below the handlebars.

Riders are not in as aerodynamic a position as they would be if they were using pursuit bars.

Pursuit bars are positioned centrally and allow a rider to sit with their arms out in front of them, as is the case in the endurance events on the track.

James Moriarty on the pursuit bars
James Moriarty models the pursuit bars in the men’s 4,000m individual pursuit earlier in the competition.(Getty Images: John Walton/PA Images)

AusCycling came under fire at the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo when Alex Porter’s handlebars spectacularly failed in qualifying for the team pursuit.

Porter was riding at 65 kilometers per hour when his handlebar suffered a catastrophic failure, he then suffered painful facial injuries after crashing face-first into the track.

An AusCycling report issued after the Tokyo Games found inadequate governance was in part to blame for the failure, with the custom-made pursuit handlebars not adequately tested prior to their use.

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NBA in morning after Celtic legend passes

Basketball Hall of Fame member Bill Russell has died aged 88. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The basketball community lost an all-time legend on Sunday as Bill Russell died at age 88, his family announced.

Russell, who won a record 11 NBA titles with the Celtics, was a trailblazer as a black superstar in the 1950s and ’60s, and became the first black head coach of any North American professional team when the Celtics hired him in 1966 as a player -coach.

In a statement announcing his death, his family called Russell “the most prolific winner in American sports history.” By any measure, that is correct.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player and in 2021 as a coach, Russell won two NCAA titles at San Francisco, an Olympic gold medalist and two NBA titles as a coach, in addition to his 11 as a player.

Comprised of a core that included Russell at center along with fellow Hall of Famers Bob Cousy, Tommy Heinsohn, KC Jones, Bill Sharman and Sam Jones, the Celtics won a stunning 11 of 13 championships from 1956-1969.

In 10 Game 7’s, Russell was undefeated in his career. Extended to any winner-take-all game — in NCAAs, Olympics and best-of-five playoff rounds — he was 21-0. The Finals MVP Award is named after him, and Russell was often on hand to give it out.

In addition to his basketball credentials, Russell was also a leader in the area of ​​civil rights, enduring racist abuse throughout his career in Boston, where his home was once broken into and graffitied.

“From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the fuel wake of Medgar Evans’ assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candour that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change,” his family said in a statement.

Bill Russell celebrates a championship with coach Red Auerbach.Source: Getty Images

“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh at him as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”

Russell’s relationship with the city was complex — he didn’t attend his jersey retirement in 1972 and once described himself as “playing for the Celtics, not for Boston.” Eventually, in 1999, the team re-retired his number from him in a ceremony at which he attended.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that Russell was “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”

“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values ​​of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill vigorously advocated for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed him in his footsteps, ”Silver said. “Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”

Bill Russell drives past his great rival Wilt Chamberlain.Source: Supplied
Kobe Bryant and Bill Russell in 2019. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)Source: Getty

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Russell’s family moved to San Francisco, where he parlayed a spot on the McClymonds High School basketball team into a scholarship at San Francisco. Though Russell never averaged over 20 points in an NBA season, he is considered one of the greatest defensive players of all-time, with a 6-foot-9 frame that made him one of the greatest shot blockers ever, and a career average of 22.5 rebounds per game.

In 2011, then US President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom.

“Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men,” Obama said at the ceremony. “I have marched with King; he stood by Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the Black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game. He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players and made possible the success of so many who would follow.”

Arrangements for his memorial service have yet to be announced.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission

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Commonwealth Games 2022 weightlifting: Kyle Bruce robbed, Australia news

Commonwealth Games 2022 weightlifting: Kyle Bruce robbed, Australia news

Aussie weightlifter Kyle Bruce was in tears after he had the gold medal taken off him following a controversial review.

It appeared Bruce had set a new Commonwealth record in the 81kg category with a lift that was given the all-clear by all three judges.

However, on slow-motion review, officials judged that Bruce’s arms did not fully extend.

The ruling saw him relegated to the silver medal.

England’s Chris Murray eventually set a new Games record after lifting 325kg from his snatch and clean and Jerk lifts.

Bruce looked absolutely shattered as the decision was announced and was seen being consoled by a member of the Australian team.

He was also in tears when interviewed by Channel 7 as he spoke about wanting to do his father proud.

Bruce wears his father’s compression top every time he competes following his dad’s death in 2015.

“It got overruled for a press out, I haven’t seen the video so I’m not sure but sometimes it’s just how the sport goes and congratulations to Chris on winning it. He was the good lifter on the day and I just got a bit unlucky there.”

He said he was “devastated”.

“My only focus and goal coming into these Games was winning that gold medal for Australia and coming away with that silver. Not going to lie, is quite disappointing. I set my standards very high but that’s just how sport goes sometimes and I’ll be ready for 2026 and I’ll come back and have some redemption I think.”

He was briefly overcome with emotion and needed several moments to compose himself when speaking of his dad.

“My dad actually passed away in 2015 and I just wear his shirt because… so he’s always there with me,” he said after a long pause.

“Just so he’s always there for me. This one’s for him.”

The commentators on Channel 7 were heartbroken for him.

“Oh no. He got the three green lights and now the jury has had another look at that and decided that is a no lift,” one commentator said.

“A tragedy for Kyle Bruce. He goes back to the silver medal position. The silver that he won four years ago.

“There’s tears backstage.

“What about the emotion? Then this man (Murray) has got to come out and try and steal it.”

When cutting away from the action to move to the netball, Sevens host Mel McLaughlin described the result as “heartbreaking”.

Aussie netball legend Cox summed it up perfectly: “Sport is horrible. It is also good in the same package.”

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James Wilby shocks Adam Peaty to win breaststroke gold

James Wilby shocks Adam Peaty to win breaststroke gold

England’s James Wilby clinched gold in the men’s 100 meter breaststroke as compatriot Adam Peaty surprisingly finished outside the medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Peaty had never before lost a senior race in his favored event and looked set for a three-peat as the champion at Glasgow 2014 and on the Gold Coast four years ago unsurprisingly led at the halfway point.

But he lost momentum in the closing stages and was reeled in by Wilby, who clocked 59.25 seconds at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, just over an hour’s drive from where Peaty grew up in Uttoxeter.

Zac Stubblety-Cook finished second in 59.52secs while fellow Australian Sam Williamson took bronze in 59.82s, 0.04s ahead of fourth-placed Peaty.

Peaty was making his comeback after suffering a broken foot in May, leading to him missing last month’s World Championship, and his time of 59.86s was just under two seconds slower than his personal best.

“I don’t know what went wrong,” he said. “With 25m to go I had nothing in the tank. Maybe that’s overexposure on the foot. Sometimes you just have a bad race, I can’t pinpoint where I went wrong.

“It was a slow ending, I can’t remember the last time I went that slow. It just didn’t go right. Of course I’m disappointed but that’s what makes you go faster next time.

“I chose to fight, I don’t really care about the stats or how long you’re undefeated. Every time I get on to this box, I’m willing to fight and race anyone in the world.

“I’ve kind of lost that spark, whether it’s with my foot, but I’ll be looking to find that over the next months and into the next two years.”

England still capped a memorable day on the sporting front with top spot on the podium as Wilby went one better than 2018.

It is certainly up there as a special moment that I’ll remember forever.

james wilby

Wilby, who admitted he was considering his swimming future after a disappointing Olympic campaign, said: “It is certainly up there as a special moment that I’ll remember forever.

“It just adds up to my enjoyment and having that fun back in the sport is everything. We’ve all been faster times than that but I’m loving it and that’s got me to the top of the podium this time.

“Everything else doesn’t matter. I’m always going to have that medal, I’m always going to love looking at it and remembering the moments that brought it here.”

Chad le Clos equaled the record for the most Commonwealth Games medals, collecting his 18th gong with silver in the men’s 200metres butterfly.

While Le Clos was unable to claim a fourth successive gold in this event, the South African moved level with shooting pair Michael Gault and Phil Adams on 18 overall medals.

Le Clos was pipped to gold by New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt while England’s James Guy took bronze.

Alice Tai was another English gold medalist, prevailing in the women’s 100m backstroke S8 final, just a few months after having her right leg amputated below the knee.

“It’s a bit surreal,” she said after coming home in a time of 1min 13.64s, with Wales’ Lily Rice finishing third.

“I started and ended last season with surgery, pulled out of Tokyo, then had an amputation in January. I’ve been learning to walk this year and getting back in the pool was just a bit of fun as I missed swimming.”

Joshua Willmer took gold in the men’s 100m Breaststroke SB8 ahead of the Australian pair of Timothy Hodge and Blake Cochrane.

Emma McKeon lead home an Australian one-two-three in the women’s 50m freestyle.

McKeon came home at 23.99s ahead of compatriots Meg Harris and Shayna Jack.

South Africa’s Tatiana Schoenmaker took gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke in a time of 2:21.92.

Silver went to Australia’s Jenna Strauch with South Africa’s Kaylene Corbett claiming the bronze.

Australia finished on a high as Kaylee McKeown won women’s 100m backstroke gold before they broke the world record to win the women’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay in a time of 7:39.29.

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