Jamaica and Kenya retained their penchant for picking up medals in track and field events in major competitions with a fantastic showing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Athletes from England, Canada and Scotland too featured amongst the medal winners in the track and field disciplines.
The Kenyans showed their expertise in the energy-sapping Women's 10,000 metres final as Joyce Chepkirui, in the ending stages, raced past countrywoman Florence Kipligat. Chepkirui and Kipligat led for most of the race. They were in no hurry as they gradually built up a lead. This advantage they sustained till the end of the race. Kipligat it seemed would win the race, Chepkirui, however, never let Kipligat out of her sight.
Near the very end of race Chepkirui seemed to find extra energy and sneaked ahead of Kipligat and never looked back as she took the gold.
"It was so close near the end but I knew my body was in good shape, I'm so happy I could win at my first Commonwealth Games," Chepkirui said.
Faith Kibiegon, an Olympic great, did Kenya proud too as she clinched victory in the Women's 1500 metres final.
The 400 metres was just as exciting as Stephanie McPherson emerged victorious as she added to Jamaican sprinting dominance.
McPherson was at her very best in the race as she fended off quite a challenge from fellow Jamaicans Novelene William-Mills and Christine Day, who came in second and third respectively.
For William-Mills a place on the podium must have been a personal triumph as she overcame the deadly disease of cancer to participant at the games.
Jamaica's great day on the race track wasn't to end there. The 110 metre hurdles final this time saw one of the men come to the party. Andrew Riley, the 26-year-old, showed great tenacity to come from behind and deny Englishman William Sharman victory. Riley's win comes a day after Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole came away with the gold in the 100 metres.
Jamaica's athletics glory extended to the Triple Jump as well, Kimberly Williams , with a jump measuring 14.21 metres came away with the gold.
England's Laura Samuels earned a silver medal to her name. Samuels did well to grab second place in the 1500 metres.
This was Samuels' first medal on the international stage and she was overjoyed as she did a lap of honour.
"Words can't describe the feeling when you've crossed the line and you've got the medal you so desperately wanted," the Guardian quoted her as saying.
Jim Steacy of Canada recorded a victory in the men's hammer throw final. Scottish fans had a moment to cheer as Mark Dry came away with the bronze in the event.
