Glasgow, SCO – Three bronze were added to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medal haul today bringing the total Athletics (Track & Field) count at the Games to 16. Shawnacy Barber of Toronto, Ont., Cam Levins of Black Creek, B.C., and Angela Whyte of Edmonton, Alta., all made their way onto the podium.
Shawnacy Barber opened the competition winning bronze in the pole vault clearing 5.45 metres. “Well I hoped to be on the podium and I got that done so I am very happy with that,” comments Shawnacy. “I think between maybe four of us out there we all had a chance at silver and gold but it always comes down to the day.”
In the men’s 10000-metres Cameron Levins flew down the home stretch for the bronze medal in 27:56.23; just behind Cam was Mohammed Ahmed of St. Catharines, Ont., for sixth in 28:02.96. “I started tying up the last 50 metres,” notes Cam. “I was hoping they wouldn’t catch me but they did and I hopefully will learn from that. I am so happy to be on the podium; this is my first time. I hope I can only do better from here but I will enjoy this moment and go back and train harder.”
Angela Whyte ended the night with a podium finish in the women’s 100-metres hurdles crossing the line in 13.02 seconds. “The time wasn’t the greatest, I have been struggling all year long and to tell you the truth I was down on myself, I didn’t look too hopeful (for a medal),” comments Angela. “My team mates, they really had a lot of faith in me and I just had to fight. I fought for 13.02; which is not something that is normal. You can’t be mad with a medal from Commonwealth Games and I am just always happy to represent Canada and do the best that I can.”
In the women’s 800-metres final Melissa Bishop of Eganville, Ont., finished eighth in 2:02.61. “I had a great two days, the ultimate goal was to get to the final and anything else is a bonus. I am happy to be here, hope it is a building block for things to come.”
In the men’s steeplechase Matthew Hughes of Oshawa, Ont., led the Canadian contingent with a fourth place finish in 8:21.88. “You know I thought my prep and fitness coming in was good,” notes Matt. “I told myself at the start of the games I would be disappointed with anything but a medal. Not to put too much pressure on myself because I’m so young in the sport, but I don’t want to be one of those people that just is happy to be here, in top 5 or top 10, I am here to win a race.”
Chris Winter of Vancouver, B.C., finished sixth in 8:29.83 and Taylor Milne was disqualified after the race.
In the women’s discus final Julie Labonté of Ste-Justine, Que., finished 12th with 52.30 metres. “I had a good warm up throw but I don’t think it would have been enough to get top eight,” notes Julie. “My throws were not consistent, it was like there was a wall in front of me! It didn’t go as well as I thought it was going to.”
