Shelley wins marathon as Aussies top Commonwealth medals table

GLASGOW - Agence France-Presse

Australian runner Michael Shelley celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men’s marathon gold medal. REUTERS photo

Australian Michael Shelley won gold in the men’s marathon at the Commonwealth Games on July 27 to better his silver-medal showing in Delhi four years ago.

Shelley clocked a personal best of 2:11.15 in Glasgow, his first marathon of the year.
Kenya’s Stephen Chemlany  claimed silver in 2:11.58.

Kenya’s Flomena Cheyech Daniel won the women’s marathon in 2:26.45, 25 seconds ahead of her fellow compatriot and rival Caroline Kilel. Australia’s Jessica Trengrove came third to add another medal to her country’s tally.

The marathon runners’ success gave a further boost to Australia, which was leading the medal standings after a strong showing in the pool.

Pool domination

The women’s 4x200m freestyle relay team won Australia’s 11th gold medal at the Tollcross International Swimming Center on July 25 as they smashed the previous Games record.

There was an Australian one-two in the women’s 200m breaststroke as Taylor McKeown sealed gold ahead of teammate Sally Hunter before Emily Seebohm set a new Games record in retaining her 100m backstroke title.

Daniel Fox got another Australian gold in the men’s para-sport 200m freestyle.

South Africa’s Chad le Clos solidified his status as the world’s best 200m butterfly swimmer as he retained his title.

In track cycling, Australia’s Annette Edmondson won the women’s scratch race and Scott Sunderland landed the men’s 1km time trial.

Canada’s Patricia Bezzoubenko completed a five-gold haul in rhythmic gymnastics.

Australian shooter Daniel Repacholi won the men’s 10m air pistol but the toast of the town in that event was third-placed Mick Gault of England who at 60 won a record-equalling 18th Commonwealth Games medal.

“Job done, finished, don’t care anymore. I got the record and I can just relax now,” said Gault.