Australian Oliver Hoare has stormed home to claim a remarkable victory in the men’s 1500 meters final at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Key points:
- Hoare was sitting fourth when the field entered the final straight
- He pipped Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot to win the gold
- The Australian ran a Games record and personal best to win the final
Hoare was fourth at the top of the final straight but powered home to win in three minutes and 30.12 seconds, lunging across the line to edge out 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot from Kenya by 0.09.
Reigning world champion Jake Wightman from Scotland was third, with the first seven runners across the line all breaking the Games record.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Hoare, who only two weeks ago failed to earn a place in the final at the world championships.
Hoare’s triumph provided Australia with a triumphant end to a mixed session at Alexander Stadium.
Jemima Montag won gold in the women’s 10,000m walk in a Games record time of 42:34.30.
The 24-year-old won the 20km title on the Gold Coast four years ago and added the shorter distance title, which was making its Games debut.
Eleanor Patterson was forced to settle for a shock high jump silver.
A fortnight after winning the world title in Eugene in thrilling style, Patterson was the red-hot favorite to claim a second Commonwealth title in Birmingham.
She missed three times at 1.95m, seven centimeters less than her Australian record-equalling effort in Eugene.
The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback with her clearance of 1.92m, while Jamaica’s Lamara Distin won gold.
AAP
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