Despite both being pipped to victory in their respective Athletics' events last night, both Eilidh Child and David Rudisha gave the crowd much to cheer about at a slightly damp Hampden Park and left with their reputations still intact.
Over recent years for Team GB, Child has seemingly played second fiddle to England's Perri Shakes- Drayton both indoors and out, but has still produced some solid performances. With her rival injured for the season, she has eagerly taken centre stage in her home Games and fed off the vociferous support last night in the women's 400m hurdles final.
Sadly, there was to be no perfect outcome in the race, but the Scottish sweetheart still looked satisfied with her silver medal behind pre- race favourite Kaliese Spencer. Indeed, her broad smile was evident on the lap of honour afterwards, stopping for selfies with the crowd and hugging her many fans and family spread all around the stadium.
Rudisha's eloquent post race interviews and warm relationship with the British crowds continued on from his majestic performances at London 2012 to Glasgow. Many would say (including such luminaries as Lord Coe) that Bolt aside, his 800m final win there was the race of those Games on the track.Scotland welcomed the opportunity to witness the great Kenyan runner at first hand with a number of other expected world stars either not competing in the Games at all or only doing relay events.
Rudisha had strode through the qualifying rounds with ease, but came up against the man he had defeated in a world record time two years earlier in the final. This time the places were reversed as Botswana's own star, Nijel Amos kicked impressively down the home straight to take a clear win. Scot Guy Learmonth had already excelled in reaching the final and can be well pleased with 6th place.
There were other sparkling performances in the athletics last night, including the women's 200m final. Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare opted out of the long jump in order to focus on the sprint double, which she duly achieved in a solid 22.25 seconds. Behind her, there were some encouraging signs for Rio in two years' time, as England duo Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams took the remaining medals, both setting personal bests in doing so.
Jodie Williams especially seems to finally be putting her injury issues behind her and fulfilling the great promise she hinted at as a multi medalled junior athlete.
David Weir ensured that the Para Sports events were kept firmly in the public eye as he competed in the Men's T54 1500m event on the track. After his outstanding performances at the Olympics, where he has already won 6 gold medals, he finally got the Commonwealth title he was striving for. Further good news came afterwards when he revealed his intention to continue on in the sport probably as far as Rio.
The athletics is far from over with the highly anticipated relay appearances of Olympic champions Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to come. Hold on to your hats, the Jamaicans are in town!
