Team England’s athletics programme at Scotstoun Stadium got underway on Monday July 27 with a solid opening session, as nine athletes moved on to the next rounds on a blustery, cool and damp morning.
The stand-out performance came from Sam Bennett, who won the first heat of the 110m hurdles in 13.20. Bennett said it was a little bit windy and that the breeze over the sponsors’ boards made the race harder to judge, but he felt it was a clean effort and was pleased with the result. He also described representing England as a blessing, saying it does not get more special than being on an international stage and that it was exciting to compete so close to home this year.
For Team England, the early progress mattered because the opening morning set the tone for a programme that will stretch across six days and twelve sessions, with more than 1000 athletes competing. Getting athletes safely through the first session was always going to be important, especially in conditions that made the sprints and hurdles less predictable than usual.
Jones and Ojora also advance
Elliot Jones was another name to emerge from the morning session. Less than 20 hours before the heats were due to start, he was called up and went on to win heat 11 in 10.07w. Jones said the run did not feel the cleanest, but he was happy to get through and pleased with the speed, adding that there was still plenty that could be corrected in the execution. He also said that making the cut for the relay squad and then getting the chance to represent England individually at a major championships was incredible.
Tade Ojora also progressed, running 13.48 to move into the final. He said he was happy to be through and noted that he needed to make a few changes before the next race. The overall picture from the opening session was straightforward: Team England got off to a productive start, and several athletes put themselves into position for the next rounds despite difficult conditions.
Akande makes a strong first impression
Mabel Akande added to that early momentum by winning her race in 11.32. Last year, she won a European Under-20 silver medal, and this outing carried extra significance because it came at her first Commonwealth Games. Akande said the experience was amazing, describing the stadium as incredible and saying she shed tears when she got the call-up. She also thanked her club, Lincoln Wellington, and said they felt like a family.
Imani Lansiquot also featured in the sixth heat, giving Team England another presence in the opening morning session. With the first round of competition now under way, the next few days will determine whether the early positives from Scotstoun Stadium turn into a sustained run through the championships.
