Zambian teenager Muzala Samukonga won her nation’s first Commonwealth Games 400m title on Sunday as Sada Williams gave Barbados its first gold in the women’s event on the final day of athletics in Birmingham.
Samukonga, 19, who clocked 44.66 seconds, exited the stadium in a wheelchair after tripping over a low pile of advertising as he ran to collect his national flag.
For all the latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.England’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, who won bronze at last month’s world championships, was forced to settle for silver.
The 27-year-old had pinned his hopes on gold, but was desperate after recently admitting he had attempted suicide last year.
“It’s not the color I wanted, but you have to take the good with the bad,” he said. “If you asked me a year ago if I could do this, I would have said ‘no’.”
The English athlete, seeing Samukong crying on the podium during the medal ceremony, put his hand on her shoulder.
Williams edged out Victoria Ohuruogu, who missed out on emulating her older sister, 2008 Olympic gold medalist Christine, who won Commonwealth gold in 2006.
Williams, 24, who won bronze at the last world championships, set a new Games record of 49.90 seconds, with Ohuruogun taking silver.
“It’s amazing (to be part of the Barbados team),” Williams said. “I’m very proud of Jonathan (Jones who won bronze in the men’s 400m).
“I can’t begin to imagine (the reaction at home). Everyone is probably going crazy right now.”
India also celebrated a historic gold, which adds luster to a very successful athletics competition for them in Birmingham.
Eldhose Paul leaped, leaped and leapt into Indian athletics folklore as he delivered their maiden triple jump title with a best mark of 17.03m while teammate Abdulla Aboobacker Narangolintevida won silver.
India also won the bronze medal in the men’s 10,000m walk. Sandeep Kumar finished third behind Canada’s Evan Dunfee (38 minutes 36.37 seconds).
“The sports culture in India is changing,” said the triumphant Paul, who added that athletes were getting more support from sports authorities in the country.
