S
Stuart Weir
Guest
The Commonwealth Games are underway
The track and field program at the Commonwealth Games started with round 1 of the men’s 100m. The range of the Commonwealth was well illustrated when an athlete from India (population 1.4 billion) lined up alongside an athlete from Tuvalu (a Pacific Ocean island with 12,000 people). The format was 87 athletes from 45 countries listed in 11 heats to compete for 17 places in the semi-finals – the top 17 on time, placing irrelevant. They would join the 7 fastest athletes (on 2026 times) who were given a bye into the semis. Never a fan of that kind of inequality, unfair to athletes and depriving the morning spectators of a chance to watch the best athletes.
Imani Lanisquot, 100 meters, CG 2026, photo by Team England
The fastest was Benjamin Azamati of Ghana in 10 seconds dead – on a cold morning – with 10.24 the cut-off point for qualification for the semis. Jeremiah Azu also qualified comfortably, commenting: “I’m happy with that. Nice effort this morning. A bit of drizzle, a good following wind – loads of positives to take going into tomorrow”.
Imani Lansiquot, 100 meters, CG 2026, photo by Team England
In the women’s 100m, Imani Lansiquot was fastest in11.04 but with a 2.1 wind. Imani is now based in Italy with Marco Airele, training with Amy Hunt. She told me she enjoyed being pushed to her limit in every training session. After a difficult period with injury, she is now fully fit.
Stephen McKenzie, Scotland, photo by Bobby Gavin for Scottish Athletics
In the men’s long jump, Stephen Mackenzie gave Scottish fans something to cheer, qualifying for the final with 7.75.
Charlotte Payne, England, hammer throw, photo by Team England
Camryn Rogers (Canada) led the way in the hammer with 68.81, while Charlotte Payne (England) was sixth with 6.72.
Camryn Rogers, CAN, gives Canada its second hammer throw gold in Paris! Photo by World Athletics