You are in > manchester.com  > News > British stars claim Commonwealth medals

Athletics

British stars claim Commonwealth medals

16/03/2006

The first day of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne has got off to a glorious start for British participants, particularly so in the pool for Scottish swimmers Caitlin McClatchey and David Carry.

Firstly, in an exciting women's 200m freestyle final, McClatchey, 20, scorched to the gold medal ahead of Australian Libby Lenton and England's Melanie Marshall.

For Marshall, 24, that bronze continued her fine record in Commonwealth competition, adding to her silver won in Manchester in 2002 for her part in the triumphant 4x100 metre freestyle relay team.

Carry, 24, then doubled Scotland's gold medal haul when he brilliantly won the men's 400 metre freestyle event.

Not to be outdone, England then also added a second medal to their collection on the first day of competition through Victoria Pendleton in the track cycling.

Pendleton, 25, who made her international debut in Manchester four years ago, finishing fifth in the women's 500m time trial, improved on that performance in the same event this time round by winning silver.

Meanwhile, England's rugby sevens team got off to a winning start today by beating the Cook Islands 35-5.

Tom Varndell, Dave Seymour, Danny Care, Henry Paul and Magnus Lund all got on the score sheet.

© Adfero Ltd