In the interest of the Games?

Loved the story that the very first gold medal at the (then) Empire Games was Canada 1930. Immediately after the opening ceremony the runners in the 6 mile race had to pull on their shoes. New Zealander Billy Savidan did this and ran his heart out leading the pack. Got to what he thought was the end of the race as winner. But unfortunately in the days before digital technology a ham fisted race official had turned over 2 discs on lap counter instead of one - he was a lap short. Was already cool down when he found out so ran last lap - described as "He managed to pick himself up and stumble and bumble his way around the last lap" still won but only just.

Also liked reading the experience of Yvette Williams who won 3 gold medals at the 1954 games. She was competing in the discus and long jump which were run on same day but meant to be an hour or more apart. However discus was delayed as the Duke of Edinburgh was late so events were simultaneous but on opposite sides of stadium. Poor Yvette ran from one event to other having to change shoes for the different events. 12 dashes across stadium saw her win gold in both events. Better to read it than live it methinks!

Image of course is from the Chch Commonwealth Games which were a really big deal when I was a teenager in Chch. QEII stadium and pool built for these games - but destroyed in quake in 2011. Not sure if the bills for the development had been fully paid.

Hope Glasgow citizens enjoy these games - because they will be paying for them for many years.