Birmingham: On Day 2, Mirabhai Chanu lifted and Victor Kiplangat ran to claim the first golds for their country. As the games continue to take most of our attention, the points table gets extended. Caribbean nation Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa clinch their first medals at Birmingham’22 through Paul and van Niekerk
Nicholas Paul wins Gold in Men’s Keirin
Lee Valley Velopark: Nicholas Paul put an end to the cycling drought of Trinidad and Tobago in the Commonwealth Games. The last time when TT won cycling gold was Roger Gibbons’ double-gold in 1966 in 1 km time trial and men’s sprint event.
Men’s Keirin involves six laps to find out the winner. Nicholas was in the second position all through the first to third laps. He was placed behind Shah Sahrom of Malaysia. Soon enough, Scotland’s Jack Caitlin surpassed Nicholas. Nevertheless, Paul pulled in quickly to jump two places into first gold for TT in Birmingham. However, fellow countryman Kwesi Browne could not make it to the podium. He finished sixth overall.
Congratulations to Nicholas Paul gold at the Commonwealth Games. He destroyed the field. A heart-felt congratulations to Kwesi Browne for making the finals as well.” said Dr Rowley, Prime Minister of TT.
Van Niekerk scores a gold at the 50M Breaststroke final
Lara van Niekerk had the worst start, swimming in the first lane, but surprisingly finished with a masterstroke and set a Commonwealth Games record. The South African piped Imogen Clark (England) and Chelsea Hodges (Australia) to settle for the gold in 50m Breaststroke.
The finals featured two other South Africans too. Tatjana Schoenmaker finished fourth while Kaylene Corbett ended up sixth. Lara’s victory marked the African side’s 131st gold. Post-race, The 19-year-old Lara said, “I was stressed before the race and my adrenalin was pumping. But during the race, I felt like I was gliding through the water. Then I touched the wall and saw my time – I’m just so happy.”
Her victory was soon followed by Pieter Coetzee. Pieter clinched a breakthrough gold in 100m backstroke. The 18-year-old was perfection from heat to the finals. South Africa now boasts 2 gold medals in the tournament.
Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold In The 49 kg Weightlifting Final
