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Eilish McColgan

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Team Scotland’s Eilish McColgan was crowned winner of the women’s 10,000 metres in Birmingham, setting a new Commonwealth Games record after a stunning last lap in the closing stages of the long-distance event.

Eilish McColgan

In her gold medal victory, the 31-year-old emulated the success of her mother, athletics great Liz McColgan, who won first place in the 10,000-metres event at the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games.

But 32 years on from Liz’s last triumph at the Games, Dundee-born Eilish surpassed her mother's time and set a new Commonwealth Games record as she raced to victory in 30 minutes 48.60 seconds.

The runner won gold after blowing away her Kenyan rival Irine Cheptai in the home straight at Alexander Stadium.

She then went on to add to her haul by bagging a silver medal at the 5,000-metre event, Scotland’s 500th Commonwealth Games medal overall.

Eilish first competed at the Commonwealth Games in 2010, but her incredible performance in 2022 marks the first time she has appeared on the podium at the Games, and her first gold medal at an international tournament.

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