Grace Brown delivered a commanding performance to win women’s time trial gold for Australia.
The 30-year-old beat England’s Anna Henderson by 33.35 seconds around the 28.8km course course which started and finished in Wolverhampton’s West Park.
Bronze went to New Zealand’s Georgia Williams, who was one minute and 20 seconds adrift of Brown’s winning time of 40.05.20.
Brown entered the race as heavy favourite and was pleased to be able to live up to the pressure.
“I had the target on my back. I tried not to take on too much of the pressure of being the favourite, just staying calm and focusing on what I had to do,” she said.
“I executed what was expected of me.
“It’s a landmark. From an Australian perspective, to be a gold medallist at a Commonwealth Games is something Australian sport acknowledges.
“That’s super special despite the fact cycling in the Commonwealth Games isn’t huge. It is still a special thing to have on your resume.”
From an Australian perspective, to be a gold medallist at a Commonwealth Games is something Australian sport acknowledges
Henderson admitted she could not get close to Brown and was satisfied to take a Commonwealth silver.
“Silver was the best I could do today. Some of the corners were a bit hairy, I’m really pleased with the way I paced it and really pleased with the way I feel,” she said.
“Grace is really strong and a world-class TT rider so I’m pretty pleased to be that close to her. I’m just coming out of the Tour and I feel rubbish so I’m pleased just going round and feeling good on my bike.”
Source: BC2022
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
