Australian Oliver Hoare has stormed home to take a remarkable win in the men’s 1500m final at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Most important points:
- Hoare was fourth as the field entered the final straight
- He knocked Timothy Cheruiyot from Kenya 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 drove home to win in three minutes and 30.12 seconds, jumping the line to beat 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot from Kenya by 0.09.
Reigning world champion Jake Wightman of Scotland came in third, with the first seven runners across the line all breaking the Olympics record.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Hoare, who two weeks ago failed to win a place in the final at the world championships.
Hoare’s triumph brought a triumphant end to a mixed session at the Alexander Stadium for Australia.
Jemima Montag won gold in the women’s 10,000m run in a record time of 42:34:30.
The 24-year-old won the Gold Coast 20km title four years ago and added the shorter distance title, which made his Olympic debut.
Eleanor Patterson had to settle for a shocking high jump silver.
Fourteen days after winning the world title in Eugene in thrilling style, Patterson was the glowing favorite to claim a second Commonwealth title in Birmingham.
She missed three times at 1.95m, seven centimeters less than her Australian record attempt in Eugene.
The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback with her 1.92m clearance, while Jamaica’s Lamara Distin took gold.
MONKEY