Commonwealth Games Day 4: Diamond 5th as all progress

6 August 2022

Commonwealth Games Day 4: Diamond 5th as all progress

On a cooler day in Birmingham, the decathlon continued for Alec Diamond, while Steve Solomon, Samantha Dale, Michelle Jenneke and Jessica Hull progressed into their finals.

Alec Diamond continued to compile another fine decathlon effort, considering the highs and lows he has endured just getting to the start line in Birmingham. In the 110m hurdles he clocked 14.86 and threw 44.05m in the discus, both better than his most recent decathlon in June. He then equalled his PB in the pole vault with a 4.80m clearance. He dipped a little in the javelin with a throw of 43.29m, before knocking out a solid 1500m time of 4:50.22. He totalled 7689 points and finished a marvellous fifth.

After his men’s 400m semi-finals, Steve Solomon gave himself no chance of progressing after placing third in his semi in a time of 46.30.

“I’m happy with how I executed my race plan today. I just didn’t have it in my legs today. I’m feeling health which I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s unfortunate not to be there on Sunday (in the final). That was what I was hoping to do here and well within my capabilities. But considering the journey I’ve been on in the last six months I’m really happy with the result.”

But minutes later he was greeted with the news that he had made the final by 0.03 seconds.

Michelle’s Jenneke’s brilliant form from the recent World Championships, just continued into Birmingham. She ran under her PB with a time of 12.63, but unfortunately it was wind assisted (2.4m/s wind). The only athlete to run faster was new world recordholder Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan. Michelle’s claimed a number of scalps, running faster than three finalists from the World Championships.

“I’m really happy with that. I’m in the shape of my life, clearly,” she said.

The wind did however cause some issues. “I think with the wind I was getting too close (to the hurdles). I still think I’ve got a little bit more in the tank.”

In the women’s 1500m heats it was great to see Jessica Hull, who had caught COVID during the World Championships and had to withdraw from the 5000m, progress into the final.

“Prelims are a little stressful because if it is slow it brings everybody into it.”

She explained her recovery from COVID.

“I listened to my body and rested when it was needed,” said Jessica.

But she did reveal she is not 100% recovered.

“Lungs are getting there with every lap I run. My legs feel magic as they are rested. So lungs and heart are catching up.

“I’ve been pretty lucky to stay healthy for two years, but it is what it is.”

On the last day, Jessica is scheduled to race in the 1500m final and 5000m, but explained she won’t run the longer race.

“There is a 25-minute window and I’m not there.”

Bouncing back from her World Championships, Samantha Dale progressed into the long jump final, with her second round effort of 6.35m. She snuck into the final as the 12th ranked athlete, but for her they all start level in the final.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Steve Solomon (courtesy of @athleticsaustralia / @christo1966)