On Monday evening, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games came to a close. After a fantastic succession of sporting events, and a symbolic embrace of generations of Commonwealth communities, England brought home the second place title with a score of 176 points, just 2 behind Australia.
We were delighted to cheer on Oaklands College Athletics Alumni who were apart of team England’s triumphant success.
Sprinter Daryll Neita won her 100m semi-final at Alexander Stadium in a time of 10.90seconds, an exceptional PB. In the final race Daryll was milliseconds behind her opponents, including Olympic Champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, and took home the bronze medal for team England. Daryll said, “I am racing the fastest women to have ever existed, so it is an honour. The fact I am getting closer and improving so much, these ladies are so encouraging, it’s a great atmosphere to be a part of. It’s like a private members’ club.”
Daryll went on to secure a silver medal alongside her team mates, running the anchor leg in the women’s 4x100m relay.
Oaklands Alumni Ojie Edoburun made it to the semi-finals in the men’s 100m sprint whilst Oaklands associate, and this years guest at our Celebration awards evening, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, made it to the final.
Former Heptathlete Celia Quansah, who over the last few years entered women’s rugby 7s, competed well at the games and contributed to a great team performance. After returning from a knee ACL rupture last year we were impressed by Celia’s sheer determination to the sport. The team placed 5th.