UK Indoor Match Athletics

Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football since 1903. Could you

believe that in 1937, nearly 150,000 people back in here to watch

Scotland take on England in the British Championships? Scotland won

3-1. But this am, it has been transformed into the centrepiece of

the 20th Commonwealth Games, hosting athletics. Construction is under

way, creating a remarkable track suspended two metres above the

hallowed turf as some of the world's best athletes hope to make

their own bit of Commonwealth Games history. Here on Scottish soil, a

Scottish athlete is going to take the gold. Yes! The crowd are loving

this. He wins his first ever Commonwealth title.

A whirlwind! Wales have a champion! Just a few miles down the road from

Hampden Park, another venue, the Emirates Arena, where track cycling

and badminton will take place. But today, it is all about the start of

the indoor athletics season. Look at James Dasaolu go!

Magnificent. Good afternoon to you and welcome to

Sainsbury's Glasgow International Match. In this Commonwealth year, it

is the first international sports event in Glasgow. A sell-out crowd

are here, with excitement building ahead of those Commonwealth Games.

Alongside me, two people who know all about Commonwealth glory. Denise

Lewis and Colin Jackson. It was a little time ago when we had those

golden moments. Here are a couple of golden oldies. New European and

Commonwealth record to the Prince of Wales! She is absolutely smashed her

lifetime best with that one. This is a superb demonstration. Colin

Jackson is the Commonwealth champion. Denise Lewis, defending

her title well. Great form. Powerful through the line, Denise. Don't

focus on the bad bits! Let's think about the good bits. The javelin and

the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur was one of the highlights of

my career. No one saw it coming. I didn't even know I was going to

throw it that far. It was a big breakthrough. And it really did

launch my international career. There was no going back from that

moment. Suddenly, everybody wants to know who you are and what you are

about. The Commonwealth Games were a sweet time. Colin, you started in

1986 in Scotland. When it was in Edinburgh, many moons ago. It was a

real launching for me to the flavour of international competition.

Rubbing shoulders with some of the best athletes in the world. I was

playing cards with Steve Cram, Daley Thompson etc. It was a huge

pleasure, because I was representing Wales, which was very rare. It was a

big year for the athlete. The Commonwealth games are sometimes

down the pecking order, but it is in Glasgow in six months' time and that

will be the focus. It will be. A lot of athletes want to medal at the

Europeans as well, but the Commonwealth is a special event, and

they have to raise the bar. Let's focus on this afternoon. It is a

four way match between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, taking on

Scotland, competing on their own for the first time, Commonwealth Select

and the USA. This is how it works. Four points for a win.

So plenty to whet your appetite. If you want to enhance your viewing

enjoyment by interacting on social media, the information is available

on screen. Avoid the small minority of idiot out there. The Scottish

team are competing here for the first time. We have been speaking to

a couple of their athletes. It is a big year for Glasgow and

Scotland. Two of the potential stars of the Scottish team, Eilidh Child

and Jamie Bowie, are alongside me. You can sense the excitement for

Glasgow as we look forward to the Commonwealths. It is exciting. Ever

since the bells rang for new year, everybody has got a taste for it.

Today's sell-out crowd shows that everyone wants to get behind the

sport. There is every chance that you will be the poster girl for the

event after what you achieved last year. Yeah, no pressure! But I

really want to enjoy the whole experience. It is just about

embracing it and enjoying the time we are going to have. It is not

often that you get a home Commonwealth Games. Jamie, your

timing is good, because you have run the second fastest 400m indoors ever

for a Scottish athlete. You could not have timed it better. Yeah, last

week was my warm-up event. So I want to get out today and take advantage

of a home crowd, get a taster for Hampden Park. Hopefully, I get a

good lane. I have just got to go for it. Knowing it was the Commonwealth

Games in your home country, has that renew an added edge? Definitely.

Last year, we were starting to get more excited, training getting more

focused. This year is the year that you need to step up. 2014 has

arrived. Eilidh Child, Jovetic captain today. Are you going to give

the crowd something to cheer about? Yeah, hopefully, we can put on a

good show. Hopefully, the Scots will have a few surprises. Enjoy the

afternoon and good luck for the Commonwealth Games.

Just a small taste of the atmosphere that awaits Scottish athletes when

they go to Hampden Park in six months' time. This will be the

badminton arena for the Commonwealth Games. But this afternoon, we have a

specially erected hydraulic track which then goes back down again. It

is a multi-sports venue. An plastic crowd. Up there in the gods are our

commentary teams. Good afternoon to them.

Thank you, Jonathan. We start with a very high-quality

women's 400m. I said this is a very high-quality field. Regina George

and Francena McCorory come here in good form. It is a first race for

Eilidh Child. She had such a good season last year. She will be

contesting the 400 metre hurdles at the Commonwealth Games later in the

year. George ran her second fastest race recently, and she has a lot of

strength. She is effectively on the inside in lane three. Victoria

Ohuruogu is just inside of her. What an opportunity for her. She was part

of our 4 x 400 relay squad in Moscow, gaining a bit of experience.

She is a huge talent, coached by the person who coached her older sister.

And Francena McCorory ran a quick 300 metres not long ago. She was not

far off her personal best for that distance. And Eilidh Child on the

outside. The Scots will be hoping she can lead them to victory, but it

will be tough. Huge cheer for the Scottish captain. What a year

beckons for her. There will be a sell-out crowd for every day of the

athletics, I'm sure. The first lap is going to be crucial, because

George and Francena McCorory will want to get in control. Eilidh Child

will be perhaps wise, as she will not have as much pace as them over

the first 200m, but who will control this on the first lap? The Nigerian

is representing from the Commonwealth team and the American.

But watch for Eilidh Child on the second lap. Many of our sprinters

have been away in South Africa, training. Eilidh has been there as

well. By all accounts, she is in good shape. The Scottish record was

set by her when she won the silver medal at the European indoors last

year. So, two lapse. Women's 400m. Nice, clean start. Eilidh Child

started quick on the outside. George also going quick in lane three. She

looks as though she has got through the first 150m the quickest. Eilidh

Child can come across and control. That is a good spot to be in. Well

done to get ahead of the American. What strength has Eilidh Child got?

Can she run down the Nigerian? Victoria Ohuruogu are struggling for

pace at the moment. Regina George is looking strong at the front. George

just starting to tire, as is Eilidh Child. The American is going to get

this. Francena McCorory, 400m specialist, takes it. George in

second, Ohuruogu third. And Eilidh Child perhaps paying for that

aggressive first 200. You have to be careful. She probably did the right

thing. You have got to get involved here. Lots of lactic acid in the

legs for all of the athletes there. Denise, that was an opener for

Eilidh. It was always going to be an interesting race. Like you said,

Regina George absolutely topped that pace out. As she comes into the

final stages, those legs are looking very heavy. It was a good race from

Francena McCorory, who had a good season last year. She timed that

race to perfection and comes through to take the win. Unfortunately,

Eilidh knew she had to command that first 200m. She was not quite there.

But I am sure she will be relatively happy with the fact that she has got

those cobwebs out of the legs. She has got her first race out of the

way. Third place for her. Francena McCorory of the United States

getting maximum points. 51.79. A good race from her. I think Eilidh

Child will be disappointed with that. 53.69. She really did attack

it. When you ran here last year you did

not quite set the world alight. You are never sure what you are going to

do. I said I was not bothered about times and I wanted to go out from

the start but I think I went out a bit too hard and died a bit of a

death coming home, hopefully the more I do, the more my legs can hold

on a bit longer. What is the plan from here? Keep doing more indoors

and aim for the world indoor Championships. You grew in huge

leaps last year, at the end taking a motor in the European indoors. --

taking a medal. It gave me so much confidence. I knew it would all come

together. All the best. STUDIO: A couple of events took

place before we just came on the air. The first was the women's

1500m. STEVE CRAM: Takes up the commentary.

STEVE CRAM: Anderson of the USA was in second place. Military of

Scotland in third. The world bronze medallist from Moscow last year, she

would have been the favourite when they started. Showing a bit of class

here. She has had such a cracking year outdoors. A personal best at

800. And Obiri is making this a bit of a long run. I am surprised that

the American couldn't have gone with her at this stage. Obiri has only

been back from Kenya 48 hours. Hellen Obiri, the former world

champion at 3000m. Anderson can be quick over the last 200m but that is

a big gap the American has to make up. Obiri looking a little bit

ragged. A good lead for her. The American doing her best. So Hellen

Obiri, who one is corresponding race last year, in top form. Obiri comes

a way to take maximum points. A very decent time given the slow start. 4:

ten. Jemma Simpson is having to bring up the rear. She will be a bit

disappointed with that. A new stadium record, 4: 10.2.

STUDIO: Hastings for the United States, Henry for Great Britain.

Annabel Lewis also for Great Britain. She is looking very well at

the moment. Desiree Henry comes through to take it for the

Commonwealth. The Enfield and Haringey athlete. Her time was

17.33, pretty good. A good victory for the Commonwealth, for the

British athlete. That is a good win over Natasha Hastings, who is a 400m

specialist. But still good for Desiree Henry. Full points for

Desiree Henry for the Commonwealth today.

STUDIO: A little bit earlier on today it was a case for the new

against the old. 15-year-old Sarah was from Australia waited until the

fifth round before she let out to five point 28, I am sorry, 4.28

metres. That was better than she had ever jumped, indoors or out. So the

15-year-old looking towards the experience of 29-year-old Steph

Green, Para -- Paralympic silver medallist. That came in the very

first round, just short of a British record. That was her best jump of

the day. 4.83 when it comfortably ahead of the young Australian, but

certainly the Australian has a lot of potential for the future. Her

coach must be delighted with that result. So first blood of the day

went to Scotland's Stefanie Read. COMMENTATOR: Now the men's 400m. A

couple of the best of Britain as well, Jamie Bogie representing

Scotland. And Nigel Levine for Great Britain. -- Jamie Bowie. David

Verburg is just five foot six. He says he is not a great starter but

he is a quality athlete. Jamie Bowie is coming on leaps and bounds

outdoors and was hard done by in the Championships last year. Chris Brown

knows all about success. He was part of the quartet which beat the United

States in the relay in the Olympics. He is running later on in the relay

here. And Nigel Levine, who has been the outdoor champion several times.

So a high-quality field. I know that the quartet from the Bahamas is

targeting an indoor world record in the four x 400 later on. So I wonder

if Chris Brown is going to save himself just a little bit.

35-year-old legs now, the man second to the outside. So it is David

Verburg of the United States, Jamie Bowie, Nigel Levine and Chris Brown.

400m. David Verburg says he's not a quick

starter but he is up there alongside Bowie. Chris Brown needing these are

duller -- the shoulder of Nigel Levine. Nigel Levine settles between

them as the bell goes. Brown out in front is looking for that relay

success later on and perhaps of the world record. To start the afternoon

well, will he get a victory? Brown gets the victory. Levine. Chris

Brown is an exceptional indoor man. He has been champion before. Nigel

Levine put in a decent performance. And excellent performance for this

time of the season. Colin Brown runs a completely controlled race. Gets

to the 200m mark and slows the pace slowly down. So if anyone is going

to go past they really have to work hard. He just accelerates down the

back straight, approaches into this corner, good control. He can have a

look at the screens now to see anybody is attacking, can afford to

relax and then opens his stride. A very good performance indeed. Jamie

Bowie there as a personal best with that run. 46.65. And we mentioned

the very powerful quartet from the Bahamas who will be doing the relay

later on. I think perhaps the Commonwealth team will be hard to

beat. But Verburg was not comfortable there, the American

trailing in fourth place. Chris Brown has a stadium record. There

will be a fewer of those in this new arena. -- a few of those.

Holly Bleasdale, the British record-holder and number one on the

pole-vault, we will see her later on. She started the season well with

a European indoor title. COMMENTATOR: All or nothing now for

Holly Bleasdale. Oh, she has got it. It is called for Great Britain.

Holly Bleasdale is the champion. Wonderful stuff. -- it is a gold

medal. COMMENTATOR: So a transport Mary

Saxer to take this at the second attempt. 4.42 metres. Holly

Bleasdale has had one failure as well. She gets it. A little bit slow

and sluggish but it was solid. As the bar gets higher, we will see her

go on stiffer poles. Holly Bleasdale now. 4.62m at the second attempt.

That is good. And she really has taken a stronger hold on this

competition now. Mary Saxer is really up against it. She has had

one failure at this height. That is very good from Holly Bleasdale.

4.61m she cleared earlier on this year, will later on last year,

should I say. Four point 61 she cleared. A little bit slower over

the last couple of strides but she settles herself and then powers at

the bar. Well clear in the end for the

British number one. Scott Simpson, her coach, the architect of what is

so far so good. So Holly Bleasdale on good form.

Denise, she has almost always been playing catch-up on what she jumped

a couple of seasons ago. When you jump as big as she did, there is

expectation that she just seems the outdoor season will just flow,

everything will go well, and it did not quite work out for her, and I

think that expectation just got the better of her. Last year she got the

really bad Achilles and back injuries. It has probably allowed

her to settle herself. She has moved her training base back to Cardiff

and she seems to be a happier Holly Bleasdale. And she changed her

coach. It was a difficult year in lots of ways. Yes, and a brave

decision to leave that coach because he was so well respected. Saying,

no, I'm going to skip week -- stick with what I know. Next on track it

is the British men's champion. Always good to see you and to daily

while leading the Great Britain team. Yes, the first international

competition of 2014 and it would be great if everyone puts their mark

out there and start as they mean to go one for the season. A double

major championships year, outdoors and indoors as well. Describe it

from an athlete's perspective, coming into a year like this. Yes,

there was lots of opportunity. The indoor competition for many people

is a stepping stone to see how their winter is progressing so far. They

will not be expecting to set the world alight today but they are

looking to make solid performances and to go on to the world indoors

later on the sea in Poland. What do you think the year will hold for

you? There are three major championships I would like to be

going to. And we had the Commonwealth games previously in

Delhi where I will be -- where I won the silver medal. I hope it goes

well this year. Yes, a proud day for Mr Sharman. I

wonder what he think about how people are doing so far, although it

is not his responsibility. A long way to go, as they say. This

is going to be an interesting race for will Sharman. Let's look at the

full line-up. The UK champion from last year is a

good runner. Jeff Porter is of course the husband of Tiffany

Porter. Roger Skedd is from Sheffield, representing Scotland. He

has never broken eight seconds for the 60m hurdles. I think it will be

close between Gianni Frankis and Sharman. The British team captain

wants to start this year off well. He was talking about how it is a big

thing to avoid injuries, stay healthy. He is just keeping his body

fit. He said he is very happy with where he is at this stage of the

year. 60m hurdles indoors. No room for error. Fastest in the world this

year so far, incidentally. Sharman gets a very good start. It

is going to be very tight. Sharman might have what it! -- got it! It is

all about that lean. The photo finish will decide this. Porter got

a good start, but Sharman was with him all the way. It will be a

personal best for Will Sharman, no doubt. What did he get the Vic

three? We will look at the replay in a minute. Colin? I knew you would

leave me to try and clear this up. Let's have a look at Will Sharman.

He has come out of a cracking indoor season. He has been very competitive

earlier in the year. You are not used to having pressure around you,

but he has worked hard and I think he may just have got it. We are both

wrong. Looking at you, I agree. But we have just been given the official

result, and Porter has been given it by a hundredth of a second. Feels

more like 1000th of a second. That picture does not help us. But it is

a personal best for Sharman, right up there with Porter. Really good

start. He is out of the blocks really well, and determined. He is

nice and strong, and still light. When he clobbered that barrier, it

made no effect. He still managed to keep focused, working into every

barrier. There is lots of noise around him, but he has stuck with

it. He just missed out, but he at least was rewarded with a personal

best. From his face, he knew more than we did. Just a hint of

resignation. Let's see how that affects things.

Just before we came on air, there was a proud and emotional moment for

Lynsey Sharp of Scotland as she received her gold medal for the

European Championships over 100m, back in 2012. The Russian won it,

but was then banned for a doping violation. The emotional moment

was, that was her dad, giving her the medal. She won -- afterwards,

she spoke to Phil. That was an emotional moment on the

podium, and one we all enjoyed. How did you enjoy it? It was a total

surprise. I was not expecting that at all. I was overwhelmed with

emotion. I didn't know what to do or think. To look around and see

everyone standing up for the national anthem was amazing. Thank

you to everyone. It has been a long time coming, but it was deserved.

Can we have a look at the medal? How proud are you of that achievement?

So proud. Since then, I have had a bit of an injury, so it makes it

more special to look back and think how amazing 2012 was. And now you

are tried to fight back from injury and come back in Glasgow? Yeah, I

have just come back from South Africa after training. It is looking

good. Tell me what your thoughts were when you were standing on the

podium, with the anthem playing. Does it at all make-up for not

having the opportunity where you were competing in the race for the

Europeans? Yeah, it was a bit strange, so now it is really nice to

have a British crowd in the stadium. We are all proud of you.

Congratulations. The women's 800m is coming up

later. No Lynsey Sharp, but she will have to be in action in the 800m in

the Commonwealth Games in six months' time, the 20th Commonwealth

Games. Hamilton in Canada first hosted what

was known as a British Empire games back in 1930 stock over the years,

they have grown considerably. Only 400 athletes from 11 countries took

part then, competing in just expose, whereas 2014 will see 4500 athletes

compete from 261 medals. Four years ago in Delhi, the home nation saw

the likes of Tom Daley, Dai Greene and Scotland's Hannah Miley all

return with golds. Just six months to go. Time to say

good afternoon now to one of our gold medal winning pundits, Paula

Radcliffe. This was Paula's year. She has waited so long for the

chance to win a gold, and what a place it would be for her to do it.

Come on, this is the gold medal she deserves! She wins it! She takes the

title. A scintillating run by Paula Radcliffe, one of the best pieces of

distance racing you are ever likely to see. That was a wonderful night.

I was competing that night. Your memories of that evening? Just very

special. Even re-watching it now, it does not feel that long ago. It

makes the hairs on my arm stand up again to remember how special it was

in that stadium in Manchester and to have the crowd supporting me on each

lap of the track. I don't think any of the athletes were expecting that

fanatic hometown support. That was the thing they probably were

expecting going into London in 2012, because of what happened in

Manchester. But for us, it was a special surprise. Standing on the

rostrum as well, the whole stadium was handing up, singing with you.

They are memories I will treasure for ever. One athlete who will not

be at the -- at Glasgow is Jess Ennis, unfortunately. You are both

mums who have come back to compete. Out of woollies before her to make a

comeback? -- out of Will it be for her? Generally, it is just about

organising yourself and getting out there and doing it. Being a mum will

not be an issue. I did not find it difficult making that adjustment

between now and mummy and being on the track, concentrating on

training. That will not be the issue. The seven events are getting

back to the shape we expect to jest to be in. She will want to be

winning again. That is the challenge. But she has missed a long

time. She missed last year because of injury. She will miss this year

as well. That is a lot of conditioning work. And a lot of

competition time. That, more than the nine-month that will change

through the pregnancy, it will be that time away from competition and

getting back in. The pregnancy is a good thing. She will come back happy

and fulfilled. If she is motivated to come out and attack it, she will

find a way to put it together. It is just whether she will have had too

long away from competition. I don't think she will. Next, the women's

60m hurdles. We have just been her husband in action, Jeff Porter. Now

it is time to see Tiffany Porter. Yes, Jeff Porter won a moment ago.

Can Tiffany Porter win now for Great Britain?

Another high-quality field, led by the world championship bronze

medallist. It was a fantastic moment for her in Moscow in August. First

success in that event for Great Britain in the world championship

for many years. Nia Ali, US indoor championship last year. One of a

huge group of talented women sprinters from the United States.

Gemma Werrett, Scottish record-holder. We will see if she

can get close to that record here. And Andrea Bliss, semifinalist in

the hurdles in Moscow. Just missed out on a medal in the Commonwealth

Games four years ago. So, the arena full-size and again --

it falls silent again. The women's 60m hurdles. You can't

afford a single mistake. There was a stumble from Porter, hitting the

first hurdle had. That lets Nia Ali getaway. Alice strolls over. She

knew that mistake cost her. Just as the gun went. It is such a short

distance that one mistake will cost you. That was all it took. Porter

knows where that race was lost. It is a crucial part of the race. When

you accelerate into that first hurdle, you don't want to make any

mistake. If you clobber that first barrier with your leg, it stops you

dead in your tracks. Tiffany Porter went out OK. She did not have an

electric start. But as soon as she smashed into that first hurdle, from

then, it is about recovery and as you say, there is no room for

errors. You have to attack that first hurdle and hit it clean, not

like this. If you are reaching for that hurdle, you catch it on a

straight leg and it is a nightmare. I have done it on numerous occasions

myself, so I know what it feels like for Tiffany. Knocks her straight

back. She has to settle into a rhythm, which is about now, but

unfortunately, you have only got one hurdle left. No time to make up any

gap. One up to Mr Porter. Tiffany Porter could not repeat the victory

of her husband, Jeff. We have already seen Holly Bleasdale

go clear at 4.52 and then 4.62. His a third attempt at 4.72, which would

have been the indoor European Championship qualifying standard,

but that is not to be. But she has maximum points for Great Britain and

Blackburn Harriers. There is the result. 4.62, a new stadium record.

Mary Saxer is second in the world this year.

So the long jump, with Shara Proctor. We have Jazmin Sawyers in

the lead at the moment. She has jumped further. A solid start for

Shara Proctor. Six in the World Championships in 2009, and since

then, she has represented Great Britain with some distinction, it

has to be said. Not a bad take-off but better to come, I am sure,

during the six rounds of competition. This is only the first

round. There is the overall situation. Commonwealth Select have

extended their lead outside the United States and over the rest that

Great Britain and Northern Ireland creeping up on the United States,

and Scotland still in fourth place. Mr and Mrs Porter. Victory for Jeff

but you could not follow up as you hit the first hurdle. What happened?

I am not sure. I will have to have a look. It was a close one with

Sharman. It was. I am happy about it so I'm looking forward to the next

one. How difficult or pleasurable is it for you to watch your wife

compete? It is always difficult to watch her compete, regardless of how

I did. I always feel like I want to do it for her. And he is here to

support you always in all events. Yes, and we support each other.

Hopefully that was just a blip. On to the next.

Note blip for Holly Bleasdale. Winner of the pole vault. Satisfied?

Yes, I am really happy to just go out there and have fun. A season's

best and I am just really happy to be back. Last summer must have been

frustrating. Yes, to watch the world champions competing Waller was at

home injured, it was very frustrating. But I cracked on with

my rehab and I am ready to go. You jumped 4.62. Tell us what you are

doing. I saw an interview when you said you were trying to change

tending is last year and now you are just focusing on one. I am trying to

make sure my hips keep rolling over the whole time. That was really good

jumping. I have just come back from a training camp and we are trying to

iron a few things out. I was a bit rusty today but by the end of it I

got into the groove and we are happy with the progress I have made. You

seem to be so much more relaxed. Are you in a better mental state? Yes,

last year I was really nervous and I felt loads of pressure. I was not

really enjoying it. I was just going out and hoping I jumped high and

when I didn't I was disappointed. But now I am just enjoying it. I am

happy to be back and that is the best thing. Staying healthy, and

living the things that you love. And probably not thinking so much about

the magical five metre jump, perhaps? Yes, just taking it as it

comes. Just enjoying it and having fun is the best way I could have

jumped high. Good luck for the rest of the season. Next up, the men's

T44 60m. COMMENTATOR: There is Great

Britain's representative, Michael Poulton, from Saint Mary 's in

Richmond. He replaces the Paralympic champion Johnnie Peacock in this

event. He goes on the inside, then the favourite, Richard Browne of the

USA. Arnu Fourie of South Africa and then Felix Streng from Germany. He

is a guest in this competition. Four lower leg amputees. Notice, no

amputation for Michael Poulton. It is single leg below the knee or

physical disability resulting in a similar movement pattern. Richard

Browne is six for -- six foot 4.5. He needs to run 6.75 or quicker to

qualify for the next competition. Arnu Fourie, Paralympic gold

medallist. He is always there or thereabouts in Paralympic finals.

And finally, Felix Streng of Germany, double world junior games

sprint champion in 2013. He is only 18 years old. A great prospect for

the future. This should be a highly competitive race. It all depends, I

think, on how Richard Browne gets out at the start. Anything could

happen. It could be very fast indeed. The men's T44 60m.

Poulton, , Fourie and Streng. -- and Poulton.

A bit of a wobble thereby Poulton. Richard Browne got away quickly.

Fourie in second place. Streng third. Browne flew over the last 30

metres. He has been given a 7.51. It is not particularly quick. He needs

to do work on the middle portion of the race. Michael Poulton was

absolutely left in the blocks. Fourie and Browne were almost away

together. Then those two beginning to pull away. Browne extending his

lead to about 2.5m by the time they reached the line. Good starter from

a man so tall. The same height as the Usain Bolt. Somewhere on his

body, he has a tattoo of a padlock and a chain. Somewhere near his

neck, apparently, and it signifies the day he was married, the 5th of

May, 2011. Certainly a very good win it here in Glasgow, when it

comfortably. -- he won it comfortably. A season's best

performance by the American. There is the current situation in

terms of the team standings after nine events. Much closer at the top

of the table. A single point between the Commonwealth, who have done very

well since the start of this meeting, ahead of the United

States, and then Great Britain and Northern Ireland over 20 points now.

They are catching slowly. We have had that one individual victory by

Holly Bleasdale. And Scotland now in fourth place.

We are going to take a break now from proceedings to pay tribute to a

great British athlete who died recently. I remember watching him in

the Great North Run and he was a great athlete but there was much

more to him than that. Sir Chris chat away once commented he never

made his mind up what he wanted to do in life. Global impact made light

of longevity. Twice and impact, there was one defining year in his

sporting life, when he won gold over three miles in the Empire Games. Two

years earlier in Oxford he had helped lift Roger Bannister to

immortal heights. In October of that year, bathed in a white City

searchlight, watched by an estimated audience of 2 million, he set a

world record of his own, beating a Russian athlete at a time when the

Cold War was burning hot. It's so resonated with the British public

that Christopher Chataway and not Bannister would be named the first

BBC sports personality of the year, at the end of 1954. Then he became

ITN's first newsreader, and later a reporter for the BBC's panorama. In

1954, he was first selected to the Commons as a Conservative MP, and as

a minister in Edward Heath's Government, introduced commercial

radio, before leaving in 1974 for a successful business career. He was

knighted in 1995 for services to the aviation industry. He were still

taking half marathons into his 80s. One of his six children said the

family had been struck by his amazing qualities of strength.

Humility and strength allied to unshakeable determination and

abundant talent, which for a golden period in the 1950s, made

Christopher Chataway one of the world's greatest athletes.

Great man. Steve Cram is in the commentary box. You knew Chris

pretty well. That film shows what a remarkable man he was. He was just a

great athlete. I think he was described wins as a Renaissance man.

He never lost his love for athletics. He was the first real TV

athlete. If you think about that race with the spotlight and cuts. My

coach used to show me film of that sort of thing and that was in the

October of that year. He won the first sports personality of the year

despite Bannister's successes. Chat away was key to his successes. He

was part of a great era of British athletics. He retired at 25. He used

to smoke during most of his career. He did not train that hard but he

was a talent. I was a bit embarrassed, so was Brendan, when at

the age of 75 he ran an hour 39 for 30 miles of the Great North Run. I

think 50 million people actually watched that race when he broke the

world record. Everyone remembers the role he played in the four-minute

mile. Did you get a chance to chat him about that, when Bannister broke

that barrier? He was a modest man and always played down his role in

that. Bannister was the opposite. He would talk particularly about

Christopher Chataway on the third lap helping him go through that

barrier. Chris used to play it down a little bit but they were of an

era, those Oxford boys. They paved the way for a lot of British

successes in the future. Who knows what would have happened if it was

his opponent who brought the four-minute mile? He will never be

forgotten. Back to the day job now for Steve because it is the women's

800m. STEVE CRAM: A fitting 800m as well.

To underline the talent that is currently on show. Laura Muir going

for Scotland, what a year she had last year. Claire Gibson has started

this year very well. Marilyn Okoro has come from the United States to

represent Great Britain. Then Chanelle Price. Laura Muir will have

immense support here. Heavily into her studies to become a vet, she is

at Glasgow University. She's training here in Glasgow. She is

doing a great job with her 800m and 1500m. Claire Gibson has had a good

indoor season already. She has got a new personal best, putting her in

the top ten in the world. We had hoped to Jenny Meadows was

going to run for Great Britain. She is not ready yet. And then Chanelle

Price of the United States. Not one of them or well-known names.

Four laps of the track indoors. What an occasion for Laura Muir and what

a big year for all of the Scottish athletes. She already qualified for

the Commonwealth Games team, but what could she do it here? Price of

the USA moves ahead of Marilyn Okoro. Paula is next to me in the

commentary box. Yes, Marilyn did win here in 2007. She will be looking to

kick off this year in a big way. Decent pace being set by Price.

Laura Muir right there, with her 1500m strength. She has also got the

support of the crowd here today. We saw Lynsey Sharp receive her medal

earlier. Let's hope that can inspire both of these girls to good formance

is later in the year. Price still looks strong to me. She knows there

will be danger coming as they approach the bell here. Laura Muir

looks composed and she has got strength. So, Price still in front.

Price tries to hold her of. Nothing she can do. Laura Muir is

discovering new found confidence, back to the ability she showed last

year. Gritting her teeth. This is going to be a great year for

Scotland. Laura Muir, the Glasgow student, takes the win. Fastest in

the world this year. Takes her to sixth on the British all-time list.

What a start to 2014, the Commonwealth year, for Laura Muir of

Scotland. Marilyn pulled up at the bell. Not sure if she was injured or

not really race fit. They are checking how she is. I think she is

OK, hopefully. Acknowledging this great performance I Laura Muir. She

will remember this day, Paula. She definitely will. She ran it with

real maturity. The crowd lifted her, but as they went into this end,

Price was forcing her to run wide. She did not panic. Her confidence

probably gave her the energy to bring it home over that last a

metres and close it out with a new Scottish record. You could see how

much it meant to her at the end. Yes, pretty much obliterated Susan

Scott's Scottish record. You know if you have got a big year looming like

this, what an opportunity it is for so many Scottish athletes. That is

to start the way she has can only augur well for her in the summer.

What a victory for the Scottish crowd to cheer. Laura Muir, that was

a world is run. -- world-class run. I wonder what her classmates will be

saying when she gets back on day. I am sure they will be watching. A new

national record. Steve, we will break that good news

to Laura now. She is draped in the Scottish flag. A new Scottish

record, sixth on the UK all-time list. You couldn't wish to start the

season any better. No. I have in working really hard. I am so happy

with this crowd. Many athletes say they are not sure what they will do

first time-out. Did you even think that was within you? I thought so. I

knew my speed was good. I knew my training was going well. And here

you are with the Scottish flag around you. It could be a huge year

for Scottish sport. And you want to be part of that, not just indoors,

but outdoors, in the Commonwealth. Yes, I am so excited. It is great to

compete with a Scottish crowd. You have given great joy today. Long may

it continue. Thank you. Under the men's 3000m, a chance for

this Glasgow crowd to see some of the finest exponents of

long-distance running from the last 15 years.

There is Bernard Lagat on the outside. Andy Vernon, a burly

figure, bronze medallist at the European cross-country 's in

December. What a wonderful athlete Bernard Lagat has been. And

continues to be. Current world indoor champion, winner of the last

two world indoors. He will be going to defend his crown in Poland in

March. Andy Vernon is a great exponent of cross-country running

is, but he has designs on the track as well. Vincent Rono from Kenya,

really plies his trade as a pacemaker in the big European

meetings, but he has the pedigree to challenge Lagat. And Mark Mitchell,

bronze medallist in the UK indoors a couple of years ago. The crowd are

encouraging and effort on the long jump. We are just waiting. Lagat,

gathering his thoughts. 39 years old. Plenty of running left. Andy

Vernon might try and take this out. Mitchell hit the front immediately,

but Lagat will bide his time. Vincent Rono is so used to being a

pacemaker for the quickest men in the world. Just settles behind

Mitchell for the moment. It will be interesting to see how this race

pans out. We have two very fast guys in Bernard Lagat and Vincent Rono.

It will be interesting to see if Andy Vernon has the speed indoors to

run well today. He is expected to be slow and tactical in this race. Now

Rono bounces his way to the front. Another late entrant to this field.

But he certainly has the quality to stretch Bernard Lagat. Andy Vernon

ran well in Edinburgh recently in the great cross-country. He had his

sights set on the Olympics in London and was going well and established

new personal bests. And then distressed fractures, the scourge of

distance runners, set him back for a while. He still has ambitions of

competing well on the track. I said it would be slow and tactical, but

then Rono lifted the pace a bit. Bernard Lagat then recognised that

and moved up to get right on his heels. I spoke to him yesterday. He

said it is cooler here than in Arizona. So, Mark Mitchell, looking

rather lonely with only four here. Another chance for Shara Proctor. It

is in the second round this time. She leads equally with the America,

but that is massive. Very free-spirited athlete. She has been

training well, and that looks in excess of 6.50, which is good

jumping. Not world-class, but for this time of year, it is exceptional

jumping fish are Doctor. -- exceptional jumping for Shara

Proctor. She has produced something special in the second round. She

goes into the lead on her own. The American, Funmi Jimoh, now. A bit

untidy on the runway, but that looks in excess of what she has achieved

before. She got 6.41 in the second round, the same round when Shara

Proctor jumped out at 6.59. She has been very consistent, but can't

quite produce the sort of distances that Shara Proctor has been

producing. She came to prominence in 2008, when she reached the Olympic

final. She is still in second place. Looks as though maximum points will

go to Britain. Bernard Lagat is still the Kenyan

record-holder, the man who now competes for the United States. Andy

Vernon is keeping pace at the moment. Mark Mitchell has been

dropped. It can get lonely and isolated if you don't have anyone

alongside you. Mitchell is ploughing a lonely furrow at the moment. It

will be difficult for him to keep his focus. But Andy Vernon is

running a great race. Vincent Rono is carving out steady laps, just

under eight minutes at 30 seconds per lap.

I am not sure that Vincent Rono would know how to run a tactical

race, he is so used to setting a steady pace.

He was going well in 2012 and set new personal best. But then he had

personal injuries and missed the Olympics. So he has points to prove.

And of course, the world indoors are coming up. Bernard Lagat will be

defending his title. He is sitting fairly comfortably at the moment. A

long way back is Mark Mitchell. But Vernon has picked up a decent pace

here. Quite a different feel to other two athletes.

You can just see as you look at it it looks like Andy Vernon is just

working that bit harder. I think he looked at the pace of the second

allotment in the middle, realised he had slowed to much, and wanted to

make it a faster pace. He was hanging in there and as he was

passed by the slight youngster from Kenya, leaning forward, but at the

moment, Andy Vernon keeps himself nestled in behind Rono. Andy Vernon

hits the front once a game and Rono is out bit now. This would be a very

popular home victory, but rather valves -- but Bernard Lagat has

caught up. Andy Vernon still digging in but he will not get there. He is

looking around for Rono. A victory for Bernard Lagat, a good victory

but a good run as well for Andy Vernon. An excellent run their by

Andy Vernon and I wish you could see the look on Bernard Lagat's face as

he came in up to the last 50m because he was looking behind him.

There he is, Bernard Lagat, with the Stars Stripes. He will be off to

the world indoors in Poland. He is the man with the victory here in

Poland. Andy Vernon gave it everything. Yes, he definitely gave

it everything. The last 200m was 27.4. Here Vernon made his move and

committed absolutely everything. His arms are just bumping that little

bit harder and Bernard Lagat looks smooth here as he came past. But

just coming around the bend, Andy was able to stay right on his tales,

and here he is panicking. Looking for the screen. He is hoping to keep

his form smooth and their Andy just needed a little bit more belief and

confidence because it was a great run, close to his personal best,

too. That was a lot of effort. Andy Vernon just could not quite get

there. And Lagat has won very many titles in his time. A victory for

the United States' team captain. A decent pace as well, Bernard

Lagat, and Mark Mitchell eventually faded and did not finish.

It is always great to see you here in Britain, Andrew, and you provide

us with entertainment and a victory. Thank you. Great Britain has been

really good to me over the years. Every time there is an invitation I

get excited and training hard because I want to come and give a

good show. Today it was a sell-out crowd. What a wonderful event. I am

happy I got a win, of course. It was kind of hard for me at the beginning

but once I got the momentum going, I kept an eye on the two guys. And

this guy in particular made it tough for you. Well done on the

performance today, Andy. It suggests you have wintered well. I was

surprised I did as fast as I did today. It means that my strength is

very high at the moment and hopefully I can improve on that and

try to get below 7.40 this season. Bernard, are you targeting the world

indoors in Poland? Yes, I won it last time in Turkey. It is not

easy, it is getting harder. But I will give it my best like I did

today, and see what happens. If I win I will be very happy but if

not, I will be happy anyways. Well done today.

COMMENTATOR: A really good race from Andy Vernon there. Almost surprising

Mr Lagat. And what can C Grice and Chris O'Hare do against the great

Kenyan James Magut, and David Torrence of the USA? C is just 20

years of age. Chris, representing Scotland, is 23. Chris, based in the

USA, ran so well indoors last year. He went to the World Championships.

He had a bit of a hamstring problem. Not quite at his best but goodness

me didn't he run well? He got to the final. David Torrence is an

American. He has come here knowing he will have to run well here.

Tactics will come into play. Charlie has been out in Kenya. His coach is

looking forward to the beginning of his indoor campaign. And this young

man, James Magut. If you watching the cross country couple of weeks

ago, he would have seen this man finish fourth in the short course

event. Showing he has good strength behind him. He is a Commonwealth

silver medallist from Delhi four years ago.

Just four in this. They really good opportunity for the likes of Chris

and C to test not only their fitness at this time of year but how they

cope tactically with a very good Kenyan and a pretty experienced

American as well. You may think, four men in a 1500m, it is not going

to be too enthralling, but it is something I love watching, to be

honest. PAULA RADCLIFFE: Yes, and we hope they have been inspired by

Laura Muir's performance a little earlier on as well. Has Charlie

recovered from the altitude and training in Kenya? We were watching

the Olympic champion training on Tuesday, and Magut is a training

partner of his. He was the man who paced him, and Mo Farah, in that

really fast race in Monaco last summer. He may well be watching his

training partner here. Just leading this through here. Chris trying to

work out where he will base himself. Will he go back to America? He is

from the Borders and he has been at home for Christmas and New Year. No

reason why he shouldn't look forward to the Commonwealth games with all

sorts of confidence. Not to face, fairly slow, nicely placed. 62

seconds or so just over the 400m, pretty steady. Not too much danger,

like you said, with just four in the race, of bumping and barging and

anyone going over. Chris has obviously decided the pace was not

enough for him and he has decided to move ahead of second place. And

Charlie has immediately followed him. So the two British athletes,

one for Scotland, one representing Great Britain, controlling this in

the middle, but the American is dangerous and so is Magut. Chris has

not been that decisive, and coming round this time as they go through

1000m in 2.37. Charlie is in the perfect position to attack but there

is going to be a strike here at some point, with two laps to go. It has

got to happen at some point, someone has got to make the first move. They

are all fancying their chances. Torrence is very fast in the closing

stages. The boys need to start thinking about making a little bit

of a move here. You don't want to be the first one but you also don't

want to be the one finishing having not made your move. The two British

talents at the front. No response from the other two.

O'Hare gets it. Well controlled by Chris O'Hare, just enough pace in

the legs to hold not only Charlie Grice of but also the fast finishing

Kenyan. Two Scottish wins, not only Laura Muir in the 800m but also

Chris O'Hare in the 1500m. These two young men are both real talents. I

enjoyed that. You can probably tell. I love to see the two of them

kicking hard like this at the belt. Magut got caught completely

unawares. You have to hand it to O'Hare, he won it by controlling it.

Yes, by his confidence and by controlling the race. Charlie Grice

behind him make the right moves but just did not have it. Magut suddenly

realises he has more left than he thought but he cannot quite get

there in time. O'Hare has said he is aiming to get a medal in the

Commonwealth games, and this is exactly the kind of performance he

needs to keep building his confidence. The way to win his

medal, he needs to get the pace, and then when you get to the final, you

have to have a good head on your shoulders. And he showed that there.

Just seven hundredths of a second separating first and second there.

What a great race that was. A win for Chris O'Hare of Scotland.

A tremendous win indeed. That was a from plastic performance. Nicking it

on the line. -- fantastic performance. How was it running in

front of a home crowd? It is a bit daunting but you just have to do

what you normally do, stay in routine. This is definitely my

highest profile opening race. It was tough to come and race against

Charlie and David and the Kenyan. I am glad to come away with it. Did

their help inspire you? Yes. When you see all the athletes on TV, you

think, how much can you really hear the crowd? But it really is an

almighty roar. The audience at home just saw your finish to that race.

It was close but thrilling. Can you imagine what it would be like to do

that kind of thing again in the Commonwealth Stadium later in the

year? Yes, Hamdan is going to be this times so many, so it is going

to be cracking. I will hopefully do the same. Good luck. Thank you.

COMMENTATOR: There is the result of the long jump, which we saw earlier

on. A good victory by Sharon Proctor -- Shara Proctor of Great Britain, a

new stadium record, ahead of the American. And Jazmin Sawyers of the

Commonwealth, 6.09, season's best for her indoors. Silver medallist in

the Olympic Games in 2012, Erik Kynard. He is in the lead. This was

a height but Robbie Grabarz failed first time. So first-time clearances

all the way for Erik Kynard. David Smith gets a new lifetime best,

just. David Smith, Scottish champion a couple of years ago. But this

time, he is competing with the best. Very solid performance. English and

23 champion in 2011. Then the Scottish champion. Robbie Grabarz

has got to get this to stay in, and he does. Takes him three attempts to

get it. This height has proved to be difficult for the Olympic bronze

medallist. Three attempts, after such easy clearances earlier. That

was an easy clearance, too. Now we come to the distance of

150m, he rarely one distance. It was suggested by the star turn in this

race, Kim Collins. He said it would be nice to try something different.

Ameer Webb is the current US collegiate champion over 200m,

indoors and out. James Ellington, twice the UK champion over 200m

outdoors. He has a friendly rivalry with Kim Collins. Collins has got

the 800m pedigree. I wonder if he will be at the Commonwealth Games.

Ryan Oswald goes on the inside. Collins has, in his long career, run

15.15 outside of this distance. The men's 150m. Collins lifts his

head and powers on . Here is alongside Ellington full up Ryan

Oswald is being left. Finishing strongly, Ellington and Ameer Webb,

but Collins takes the victory. The old man is still winning at 37. We

hope he is in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, because he is a

star and he has won here indoors in Glasgow. The Commonwealth team

captain, with another victory for his team. Colin Jackson was watching

that. 37 years old, Kim Collins, but still a very quick run. He is still

full of running, Colin. Indeed. He drove out of the blocks very well. I

was wondering how he would approach going into the bend. You reach the

corner much faster than you would normally approach it, but he handled

it well. Strong, electric. Then he had to pick up his knees to maintain

the performance. It was a great performance, but I thought James

Ellington did well to sneak second place. He was closing down on Kim

Collins. James had a wonderful season last year. If he can build on

that and be ready for the European Championships as well as the common

or games. But this time, Kim Collins takes the victory. It is a familiar

sight, his own style, arms waving all over the place, but still

winning. A personal best for all of them, because they have not run this

distance before. Let's see how that affects the

overall match score. Kim, you are keeping your team right

in the mix with the USA. Your first win in Glasgow? Yes, I had been

coming second every time. But this year, I said I have to do it for my

team. We have to continue the winning tradition. What are the

chances of you replicating that kind of performance, come the summer in

Glasgow at the Commonwealths? It is a great chance. Hopefully, we can

start new communications and get back on track for the good of the

sport and for all of us. But was the way you first came to prominence for

us, at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. It would be great to do

something again back he in Britain. Just to be back 12 years at the

Commonwealth Games would be an amazing achievement adjust for me,

but for the sport of track and field. You defy age. It is great to

see! Thanks very much. Certainly, the high jump is being watched by a

lot of spectators in the stadium, including, on the far side... A

chance to watch the great American once more. He has had first-time

clearances all the way. And he gets it again. He is flying at the

moment. Looks as though there is a lot more to come. I bet he has got

one eye on heading towards the top of the moment. Robbie Grabarz now

for Great Britain. He has got to get this to stay in, and does not do it.

That means that David Smith, who should jump next, will be ahead of

Robbie Grabarz, the Olympic bronze medallist, so he will be delighted

with that performance. That was an abortive attempt by Robbie. He is

being watched by his coach underneath the hoardings. What a

performance it has been by David Smith. I bet when he came here, he

did not dream he would be clearing out of 2.27. He just failed it. My

goodness, that was so close. 2.24 at the last attempt. But surely he will

get that later on. Scotland has hosted the games twice

before, both times in Edinburgh. In 1970, there were calls for Olympic

champions Lynn Davies, David Hemery and Mary Peters. On the success

continued in 1986 but the likes of Daley Thompson, Roger Black, Liz

McColgan and many more. Scotland is its seventh in the overall

standings, with 91 goals, 104 silvers and 160 bronze medals. This

year, they have a target of more than 33 medals.

179 days to go. We have got a flavour of what sort of partisan

atmosphere it will be, with performances from Laura Muir and

Chris O'Hare. Less thirsty talk about Laura, Denise. Fantastic. Like

you said, the atmosphere was incredible. We have talked before

about the state of middle distance running and how healthy it is, and

she typifies that. Running so confidently for someone who is just

20. Great for the crowd, great for her. And you could see in the

interview afterwards that things had been going well in training. She

guessed this might happen. It is no accident when athletes perform well.

You get an indication about the training, and she has done it. And

that 1500m, Colin. That is what we like to see. Indoors, you have that

option to have a good competition. Look at these two British boys, the

victory going to Scotland. I think that was assisted by this wonderful

audience. The smile says it all. Next, the men's 600m, a rarely run

race. It will be one to watch, with Andrew Osagie against Sean Jackson.

Unfortunately, Jackson is a late withdrawal.

I am going to predict that Andrew Osagie will become Britain's first

winner on the track today. The British record, remember Dai Greene

here last year, he ran 76.22. I think that will be under threat from

her psyche. -- from Andrew Osagie. Andrew had a very good World

Championships. Looked good going through the rounds. And of course,

that Olympic final which everybody remembers, running a personal best,

trailing behind David Rudisha as everybody did in 2012. But he has

been training in South Africa. And he and his coach say they are

looking forward to this. He was behind Dai Greene last year. A

British record. And I don't think the fact that Jackson is a late

withdrawal, we are told it is a hamstring pull in warm-up, I don't

think that will worry Andrew. He would have attacked this from the

start anyway. Guy Learmonth is another man who has qualified for

Scotland to run at the Commonwealth Games next summer. And Jeremiah

Mutai representing the Commonwealth. I am not sure they had a great

contingent of 800m runners at the World Championships last year full

of David Rudisha is progressing, not as fast as he would like. It is

still a question mark as to whether he will be at the Commonwealth games

in the summer, but he wants to be there. So, Osagie. Three laps of the

track. 600m. 76.22, the target. Jeremiah Mutai has not been told. He

is still down there in the set position, bless him. The green card

has been shown to Andrew. The other two could not see. The fact that he

has got two athletes to chase down means that Andrew does not want to

go to quit through the first 300 metres. He needs to relax into this.

He wants to be in the lead as they come round, and he will be. Maybe a

bit quick, but he is attacking this. Guy Learmonth struggling for pace at

the moment. Mutai will be a danger. This is when you find out whether

you're winter strength is there. This is fast. Can he give us a big

glass 200m? Guy Learmonth is getting closer. The Scottish crowd sensed

there could be an upset here. Learmonth within striking distance.

Learmonth coming on the outside. This would be a big shock. He is

going to get that, despite Mutai pushing him out. What a surprise!

Look at his face. He can't believe it. There go my predictions out of

the window. Exactly! Andrew Osagie is not the first British winner on

the track. He looks disgusted with his performance. Muthiah, when we

see this head on, did his best. He was pushing him out but he was

strong. Sometimes you are training so well and you come with all sorts

of expectation... But he paid for it on the last lap. He did, it was just

too fast. When we saw that LaShawn Jackson did not come out, --

Bershawn Jackson did not come out, I said, will that be a problem, not

having anyone to push him out? But in actual fact, he panicked a bit

and went out too fast. He was just tying up here and you can see him

starting to lean AC at the bell and he looked like he was treading

water. And Learmonth was gaining confidence from that and was able to

fight his way through. He has run a Scottish record and the raised David

Jenkins from the record books as well. As he is just the third

British man to run under 77 for 600m, a really good confidence

booster for him. He did the right thing. He did not go off too hard.

He kept himself in contact. He was strong on the last lap. But I think

Andrew will be pretty despondent about that. Hi 27s for the last

200m. That is not what he came here for.

Yet another mandrake in the national flag. We had that feeling coming

here today, it is a big year for Scotland. A couple of people did it

already. Where you inspired by them and the crowd? Yes, and I had a good

team. We just came to enjoy ourselves and to do the best we

could for ourselves and our country. In the last 50m, the roar of the

crowd in this arena was incredible and that is what got me through. The

racket is unbelievable. Absolutely brilliant. And this is just the

start for you. What do you hope to do to build on this? I am not sure

about in doors. I might have a big indoor season now I have come out

and run well. My training has been incredible this winter. I will see

where I go from here. But obviously it is all running up to the

Commonwealth Games. We all hope you get there and enjoy the experience.

Thank you. COMMENTATOR: Eric Kynard has

dominated this competition right from the outset. 2.33 now. He flies

over. He was the only man to clear two point 27. Both Robbie Grabarz

and they beat Smith failed that height. -- David Smith. 2.33, and

that puts him second on this year's world rankings. He won a silver

medal in the Olympics, albeit a surprise silver medal. We knew when

we saw him he was a very fine athlete. There is the result. Eric

Kynard did try to .36 but failed it, so 2.33 was a victory for him.

-- Eric Kynard did try to .36. -- 2.36m. STUDIO: Next weekend is

the start of the Six Nations. On the 17th of February, our next

athletics, the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix. I have to say, did and

Colin, the organisers of the Commonwealth games was here, and

must be thinking, if this is an omen of things to come, happy days!

So much emphasis is placed on the big names but for the Commonwealth

Games it is all about the emerging stars, people using the opportunity

to make a name for themselves, and I just think so far, this has been

absolutely brilliant. What we want to see is that home advantage. Chris

O'Hare said people talk about the crowd, in that 1500m, and he said he

did not really pay much attention to it but it really did make a

difference. I think it has. Once the athletes are smelling that victory,

they are going for it. Come July, who knows what is going to happen?

Behind as it is the women's 60m. COMMENTATOR: We are coming out to

the shorter sprints. Asher Philip goes on the outside for Great

Britain. But the American Barbara Pier may well be the woman to beat.

Kathryn 's Christie for Scotland -- Kathryn Christie for Scotland and

Aleen Bailey for the Commonwealth. Barbara Pier ran 10.85 last year but

still could not get in the US relay team in Moscow, such is their

strength and depth. Kathryn Christie earlier ran in eight of 150m.

Scottish sprint champion two years ago. Aged just 17. Aleen Bailey from

Jamaica. Olympic gold medallist and world gold medallist in the Jamaican

relay team back in 2004, and then the World Championships in 2009. And

Asher Philip, UK champion last year, great time in Sheffield with 7.15.

She may need something close to that again, if Barbara Pier is on form.

Great Britain need a good result to get closer to the top two, the

United States and the Commonwealth are heading away in the team

competition at the moment. Barbara Pierre, Kathryn Christie,

Aleen Bailey and Asher Philip for the Great Britain.

Philip has taken it well, and then Bailey perhaps coming second ahead

of PF. But in the end some distance to spare for Asher Philip. -- Bailey

perhaps coming second ahead of tarmac to. COLIN JACKSON: I am

track-side here and I could see exactly what was happening. Asher

Phillips drove hard for the first 10m. She will have seen Barbara

Pierre in her peripheral vision but she did not let it faze her. Last

year it was in doors when she really announced herself with that

wonderful time of 7.15, which actually placed her third on the

all-time list. Fantastic performance. But now in the season

of 2014, she is getting into her groove nicely. She has worked hard

this winter. I look forward to her perhaps attacking the personal best

of 7.15. That victory was needed. It was. It has taken a while but it was

the first victory on the track for the Great Britain team. For her

first outing of the year, weaving her time in at 7.25. But very

valuable win for Great Britain ahead of Aleen Bailey.

The first time that came up was not accurate, seven point 30. But the

correct time, 7.25. How pleased are you? Quite pleased. Do you want to

take part in the World Championships in Poland? Yes. I will pack my

suitcase for a holiday and I would like to go. We know that is only a

joke because year on year you were growing in stature. You have the

European Championships this year, the Commonwealth Games as well.

Definitely. I am going to go for both this year. Hopefully I will be

injury -free and have a fantastic year. Good luck.

COMMENTATOR: Asher Philip, winner at 7.25. The tournament in Poland will

be no holiday. She has now got to run the four x 400m as she is a late

replacement there for Regina George. Let's see how that water -- alters

things in the overall standings. Great Britain have an outside

chance, if my maths are correct. Scotland with those three victories

but down in fourth place. This could be one of the crucial

events. JJ Jegede in the long jump, second round. He has produced his

best when it matters most. It is Chris Tomlinson in the lead at the

moment, 7.56. So no great distances for the time being, but victory is

what is all-important. JJ Jegede, who has made very good improvements

over the last couple of years, twice the English champion, and he has

produced an outdoor best of 8.11 metres. There is his coach, Peter

Stanley. And 7.69, a new stadium record here in Scotland, and he is

in first place. Australia leads the all-time medals

table with a staggering 803 gold medals. Sally Pearson is set to

shine once more. The now retired Canadian diver is the most

successful Commonwealth athlete of all time, with nine gold medals

between 1998 and 2010. With 70 nations competing, Gambia and

Norfolk Islands have the lowest places with just one bronze medal

each. No great Rutherford as he has a

slight niggle, which he says, though, will not stop him competing

in Birmingham. He went on that amazing Saturday in 2012. Sometimes

you forget the weight of the gold medal and how much it affects

people. We saw how difficult the season was for him last year, to the

fit -- just the fitness and the health and changing coaches. And he

gambled in Moscow, Colin, he had an injury. He is fragile but it all

came together. He gambled and went and it did not pay off. -- he hoped

it would all come together. He said that his hamstring was giving him a

little bit of grief but he was sure he would be fit to the best of his

abilities in Moscow. It was a torrid time for him and you can imagine how

difficult it must be if you are the Olympic champion and you cannot

carry that mantle because of injury all the time. Let's be honest, it

was a shock that he won that title. He went into 2012 with the

possibility of winning, but a possibility is one thing and doing

it is another. I just think Greg seemed to want to prove himself. But

he does deserve that title. If you are defined by the decisions you

will make... I am not sure if Greg has managed himself very well

through it the stage after the gold medal but it is a new season, he

said he will concentrate on sprinting as well, I am not sure

with the fragile body, the hamstring injuries he has had, but he needs to

get back into jumping and jumping well a game. Behind us are the

athletes warming up for the 60m. The athlete from Scotland ran here last

year without her guide because he had an injury. Imagine when your

guide pulls a hamstring and he is your eyes, the person who is going

to guide you through! But she went out there and competed again and

that was a gallant thing to do. Paul Dickenson is watching.

PAUL DICKENSON: There is Libby Clegg, the Scottish athlete, with

her guide runner. The great British sprinter, -- a son of the great

British sprinter. Libby Clegg, looking relaxed. 23

years old, Paralympic silver medallist at 100m in 2008 and 2012.

To seems to get better and better when the big Championships come

around. But a servant Tracey Hinton has been to British athletics. 43

years old now. She won Paralympic medals back in 1992. Then Selina

Litt. Representing the Commonwealth. Came third in the English

Championships a couple of years ago. Finally, Erin McBride of Liverpool

Harriers, representing Great Britain.

Whereas Tracey Hinton is totally blind, there is a degree of vision

that Erin McBride has, but that explains the classification she

has. T13, whereas Tracey Hinton is T11. The letter teacher stands for

track. Libby Clegg is bang in the middle on

T12. She has 5% of normal vision. One thing they have to remember is

that the athletes must cross the finish line ahead of the guide

runner. There is one athlete we have not mentioned, Tracey Hinton's died

runner -- guide runner. She starts as favourite. The guide runners are

strapped firmly to the athletes. Libby Clegg gets away well, being

chased down the straight by Erin McBride. Look at Libby Clegg!

Absolutely flying. If that is confirmed, it will be a massive

lifetime best. And Tracey Hinton, being guided by Stefan Hughes, her

guide runner. Libby Clegg just kept on going away. Erin McBride,

finishing strongly in second place. And then Selina Litt, just finishing

ahead of Tracey Hinton. Total precision and synchronicity as far

as these two athletes are concerned. Her guide runner is a very strong

and powerful runner himself. He could go faster. But they are in

perfect harmony, coming down the straight. A superb run by Libby

Clegg. Great time as well. Libby Clegg is the champion and if she

stays in this shape, by the time we get to Rio, who knows? She could

eventually finish on top of a world standard rostrum. Chris Tomlinson

need something special here. 7.56 is his best jump so far, followed by a

foul. That was better. That was close. JJ, as christened by his

mother. I can't announce his real name, unfortunately. But she

christened him JJ, and he has stayed that way ever since. That was bang

on the board by Tomlinson. Still not great distances. Hopefully, they

will come later this year. He takes the lead.

Let's have a look at the match score. It is very close at the top.

Next, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated race of the afternoon,

the men's 60m. Dwain Chambers against James Dasaolu, and what a

summer he had last year. Last year was a big year for me. I

won my first medal sub 10am so it was a very good year. This year, I

just want to keep progressing. So I am starting my season in Glasgow and

I can't wait to compete. It was last year at the European indoors when

you put a marker down for the season, winning a medal. Was that

how it felt at the time 's indoors represents a chance for me to act is

my start as a 100m runner. Last year, you reached that rarefied air

for a sprinter of sub ten seconds. I done it in the trials. It was really

good doing it in front of the British public and to produce it at

the World Championships was even bigger. I was against world-class

athletes in Moscow. Now I feel like I belong, because I have got sub

ten, which is the psychological barrier of a true world-class

athlete. So now I am a more confident person. It has been

documented that you have a new training partner in Adam Gemili. It

is good having two of the quickest guys in Britain training together

and pushing each other on. Looking beyond this weekend, are you looking

at medals this year as well as times? Of course. There is the

Commonwealth, the Europeans, the world indoors. At every competition,

I want to pick up medals. Colin, I think one of the moments of last

season was the semifinals in Birmingham, the trials. It took

everyone's breath away. We knew he was going to do something special,

because I couple of days before, he had run very well. So we were

expecting something phenomenal, but to go under ten seconds the way he

did and run that impressive 9.91, it excited everybody. We are looking

forward to him doing a had to get -- head to head against when Chambers.

Unfortunately, he had to pull out. But that really announced him not

just to the UK, but to every sprinter in the world. He pulled out

of the final in Birmingham and then pulled out of the Anniversary Games.

Has he got the head for it? Absolutely, we did wonder, but he

did not disappoint in Moscow. He was really impressive. This year might

it is about consistency. He needs to be on that circuit, racing a bit

more and not feeling intimidated. He belongs. You don't run under ten

seconds several times and then just back away. Get out there, show

people what you have got. Hope Lee, we will see a more confident James

Dasaolu this year, given what he achieved in Moscow. That will be

necessary. You have to remember, Adam Gemili had a fantastic year. He

ran under 20 seconds in the 200m. It is going to be all about

competition. Come the European Championships, it will be Great

Britain against France. We are hoping we can take the serious

positions. And a word on Dwain Chambers? I never like to write

athletes. But there is a new breed coming through. British sprinting is

in a healthy position. Tremendous anticipation for this. Let's see how

it turns out. Yes, as ever, the men's 60m is full of drama and

intrigue. And most questions are positive

about James Dasaolu. Chambers is still the British

record-holder for this distance indoors. Dasaolu, like many of our

sprinters has been in South Africa. He has the same coat as Adam

Gemili. He has been working on his start in particular during the

winter months. Let's see if there is any evidence of that improving here.

Jeff Porter ran the 60m hurdles earlier and just dipped the British

team captain to the victory. And then Stephen Dunlop.

Silver medal for Dasaolu at the European indoors last year, and that

was a sign of what was to come in the summer. The guys have obviously

been discussing that. Let's see how they can begin 2014.

Good start from Chambers. But look how quickly Dasaolu is out. Dasaolu

storms away. Apologies, I had problems with my microphone. They

have had a few problems with the clock, so they are hesitating. But

the real difference for me was that Chambers still has that expressive

ability out of the box, but his pick-up after that was really

impressive. We will wait to see full confirmation of the time. It is

6.50. Ignore the stadium clock. Colin, that is a new stadium

record, just outside Dasaolu's personal best. A phenomenal opening

performance. Dwain Chambers reacted so well out of the blocks, but James

got him very quickly. Within five or six metres, he was equal with when

Chambers -- Dwain Chambers. He is so relaxed. You can see that he enjoys

it. Dwain reacts well, but it is not good enough. James gets that head

upright. Then he can bring those knees nice and high, pump the

shoulders, keep relaxed all the way. Expels a bit of air, looks at the

clock. I think he will be disappointed when he saw the clock,

because he would have known it was quicker than that and we do also.

That is the fastest in the world this year over 60m. Of course, it is

very early. The Commonwealth Select team are

doing very well. You have lived in -- lead Great

Britain and Northern Ireland into its second in the standings at the

moment. It is a fantastic way for me to start my season. It is obviously

a team event and I am happy to get the team to second place. Some

confusion over the times when you crossed the line. You were probably

disappointed when you saw the times, but then I told you the

correct time of 6.5. Yes, it was a meet a difference. I was really

happy with it. Do you feel like a different athlete this year, with

what you were able to achieve last year with the sub -10 second ones?

Yes. I am ready to go again after injury. This is just building on

that, really. Will we see you in Poland for the World Championships?

Yes, the trials in Birmingham and then Poland. Well done. Thank you.

COMMENTATOR: It certainly has been a great tussle in this long jump

between Tomlinson and JJ Jegede. That looks very good indeed. He's

getting on towards eight metres. JJ Jegede, on 7.69 in round two, seven

.48 in round three, equalling his first round jump. But that is long.

JJ Jegede, there, surely he has gone into the lead, big-time. A little

bit of balance. Since he has gone over to Peter Stanley as his coach,

he really has improved. It will not be long before he is well over eight

metres. Where is it? 7.93! Another stadium record, by a big margin. He

is in the lead. Now it is time for the Sainsbury's

performance of the day. It is between Libby Muir, and at the end

James Dasaolu. Paula, you first. I will go with Laura. She is a world

lead and to read a world leader, a Scottish record and then so

confidently win the race bodes really well for the server and she

ran brilliantly. Denise. By heart says Laura Muir but at the same time

James Dasaolu has also run a worldly, with the 6.50. It is

impressive. It is not easy! Maybe James. Laura, definitely. CJ? I will

be totally honest, I happen to agree with Paula. I will go for Laura

Muir. It was a fantastic performance from her. She was under pressure

because there was expectation around. Marilyn Okoro was in the

race, and she came out and delivered under pressure. So to shatter her

personal best, make it a Scottish record on home turf is a

crowd-pleaser. She looks in great shape for the summer. She is a lot

more confident in herself. She has really put the working and is

strong. And this will be her strongest event, 800m? She can run a

very fast 1500m as well. She may even run both. The women's four

point -- four x 400m relay race. The capacity crowd awaiting for what

may be two decisive relays, a very strong Commonwealth team to come in

the men's event. But it is the women's four x 400m relay race

first. Some interesting characters, some big talents involved here as

well and in the United States -- the United States will be hard to beat.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland are on the outside.

A world indoor relay silver medallist back in 2006 starts for

United States. McCorory and Hastings are on the last two legs. Eilidh

Child will feel she has a bit to make up for after the disappointing

400m. She went out very strongly in that one and then failed towards the

end, the Scottish team captain. Aleen Bailey is leading of the

Commonwealth Select. Regina George, the Nigerian, had to pull out. Emily

Diamond will bring them home. There is Megan for Great Britain. She did

well in Moscow. There is Laura Wake and Victoria O horror -- Ohuruogu

will bring them home. So United States, Scotland, come and will

select, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. -- Commonwealth Select.

Great Britain looking to take that little nibble into the Commonwealth

in this penultimate track event. Away they go, and Monica Hart growth

for the United States is already striding past Eilidh Child. Biding

her time. Eilidh Child a long way back at the moment but a strong

first leg. Two locks, of course. -- two laps.

There is a bit of pride at stake here as well. Eilidh Child had a

disappointing race last year but this is more like it. She will give

Scotland the advantage. The Americans are undoubtedly the

favourites. The youngster here, Mary Hendry, is 17 years of age. What a

contrast that was, Eilidh Child, from the individual to the relay.

She has learned well. Handing onto Diane Ramsay. A strong finish from

Cassandra Tate. The second lap. She is flying at the moment. In the

United States we have McCorory and Hastings to come. The two finalists

from the World Championships, outdoors in Moscow. They will be

hard to beat. But a good result from Kelly Massey. The third leg. The

Americans, he should have been doing much better at languishing... A big

gap is starting to develop here. Great Britain are taking it away,

pushing on hard. Victoria Ohuruogu ran so well individually. This

really stands up for Great Britain's relay prospects. The

Americans are absolutely nowhere. A very surprisingly performers from

the Americans. McCorory being left behind at the moment. Laura Wake is

going to hand over to Victoria Ohuruogu. Zoe Clark is running for

Scotland and Claire Gibson for the Commonwealth. Victoria Ohuruogu has

believed at the moment. She finishes, perhaps a bit like her

older sister, very strongly in the individual. She hits the final lap.

She is still giving Gemma Nicholl a run. The crowd lifts the noise to

try to bring Gemma Nicholl a bit closer to Victoria Ohuruogu. But it

was a big lead that Ohuruogu had coming into this final leg. She will

hold on. She is a strong, talented athlete. She brings Great Britain

home. A very valuable victory. Commonwealth will finish fourth.

That will make a big change to the overall standings, but a good

victory for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ohuruogu bringing

the team home. There are celebrations all around. Laura Wake

run a very good leg, and good all the way through for Great Britain

and Northern Ireland. Denise Lewis watching that looked down their, and

a controlled performance from the Great Britain squad? Much though

Gemma Nicholl tried for Scotland to get closer, she ran a very good leg

on the final leg, unable to get their past Ohuruogu. I wonder if

there might be further success for the Ohuruogu family in the future.

Victoria Ohuruogu drinking and impressive victory for Great

Britain. I am surprised that McCorory and Hastings for the United

States on the third and fourth leg, the cream of this field, where

really unable to do anything. McCorory on leg three looked very

out of sorts. The victory led by the great British got. A precious

victory in terms of the overall standings. There we are, 3: 33.49.

They were leading coming into this event in the overall standings, so

we will find out how that affects the overall standings.

It is the last round now for Ron Taylor of the USA in the long jump

and that looks good. He shakes his head a little bit, so... 7.794

Taylor. He goes into second place. And Tomlinson responds with 7.75. So

he finishes in the third. A fine victory for JJ Jegede for the

Commonwealth. And Taylor in second place, 7.79. Tomlinson,

unfortunately for him, finishing in third, defy -- despite it is a

stadium best. As far as the match standings are

concerned, it is very close indeed. The Commonwealth are certainly up

there. They are over 60 points now. Great Britain and Northern Ireland

are still ahead of the USA, in third place, and Scotland in fourth. But

it is the Commonwealth leading the way at the moment.

Lake Placid entertained the miracle on ice. Sarajevo hosted Bolero. Oslo

boasts the great ski jump. Between 1956 and 1988, the Soviet Union

dominated the Winter games. But perhaps the most extraordinary tale

of the Winter Olympics is how we, from this small island with very

little snow, brought downhill skiing to the world. To tell that story, I

have come here to the Alps, where British pioneers helped to shape

modern Winter sports. But And the Winter Olympics proper

starts on the 7th of February with the opening ceremony.

An Neil Black, former director of UK Athletics, is alongside me.

It has been a great afternoon. A couple of things have caught your

eye? In the last few events, the sprints were looking really good. An

interesting year for UK athletics, because you have a Commonwealth

Games with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. How do you

interact with everyone? We just embrace the whole concept. The whole

plan is working with the home countries. We are working with the

coaches and what their plans are as we progress towards 2017. In terms

of the priorities for athletes, what is more important, European

Championships after the Commonwealth Games, or the Commonwealth Games in

the UK? It is different for different people. For some people,

the Commonwealth Games are without question the best. For others, it is

the European Championships. We are sticking with each individual

athlete and coach, working that out and making sure they get the right

focus. Thanks very much. Short, but sweet.

We will talk to you lot more. Now back to the track for the men's 4 x

400 metre relay. Talking about the summer, there is the mascot for the

Commonwealth Games. If I had time, I would let Andrew

tell you the full history of that. I have interviewed him! I bet that was

a meeting of minds. Talking of Scotland and the Winter

Olympics, don't forget the curling. We were having a conversation about

that earlier. Lots of prospects at the Winter Olympics.

I suspect we will be looking at the Commonwealth team here. Scotland

have Jamie Bowie, then number one man, leading them off. Pinder will

head off this eHarmony and team. -- this team from the Bahamas. They

have got M3 macro, crisp brown -- Pinder and crisp round. Great

Britain. The Americans have had some late

changes, to say the least. We think Ronald Taylor, who has just finished

second in the non-dom, will go on the second leg. -- he has just

finished second in the long jump. How quickly can this team go from

the Bahamas, representing the Commonwealth Select team? They have

already won the match. Good, strong Great Britain squad, though.

The world record is held by the USA. So, it is pretty even so far. Pinder

going pretty well. Jamie Bowie trying to stay in there. Pinder is

controlling this. Not really attacking it that much. Luke Lennon

Ford is holding the inside line here. But we try to take advantage,

but the Bahamas will lead this into the second leg. The USA are leaving

them with a lot to do. The USA have a huge amount to do, but Great

Britain are in front. The tall figure of Richard ahead of crisp

round, who was impressive in the individual event earlier. Brown is

looking easy. It will be very hard against this Commonwealth team which

is very strong. Richard Buck at a cross crisp round, but Brown did not

panic. Conrad Williams, chasing down.

Scotland are still in contention. This may well be a great race. What

a great history Britain have in the 4 x 400. Conrad Williams is not

giving up the chase. Anthony Young still hanging in for Scotland, but

it is the Bahamas Commonwealth team out in front, with Great Britain in

second place. The United States, strangely, are a long way back. The

Bahamian team are ahead of Great Britain. Lavigne is in control here,

not panicking. As he got the strength? He ran well in the

individual event. He is looking good down here. These two are well clear

of the rest. Can Britain finish with a victory here? Levi Ms looking

good. -- Levine. It is a win for the Great Britain Quartet! Solid

performance. Commonwealth second, Scotland's third, USA four. That was

a really well judged performance. All eyes might have been on that

very strong quartet representing the Commonwealth team. Lennon Ford have

a good first leg. Richard Buck was aggressive ahead of Chris Brown.

Always kept them in contact. Good third leg from Conrad Williams, and

Nigel Lavigne bringing the baton home, beating the Olympic

champions, albeit indoors in January, but that is a big scalp.

Very impressive, the way Levine sensed a sluggish start and took

control and imposed himself and still had enough to kick again

towards the end of the race. You could see his wild celebrations at

the end. A fairly comfortable win. Then the celebrations could begin.

Well, Great Britain are finishing on a high.

So, Britain finishes with a victory. We are waiting for official

confirmation of who has won the Sainsbury's as indoor challenge.

Let's reflect now on this afternoon. Paula, it is fair to say

that the Scottish team has been a revelation. Yes, they performed well

today. It is a really good crowd here and they are getting behind

them. The build-up is already starting. People are anticipating

what will happen in the summer, and it is looking good for the Scottish

team. Great wins for Laura Muir and Chris O'Hare. Denise, you perhaps

feared for Scotland, but it has been the opposite. Chris O'Hare was

fantastic. He showed some signs of flair last year, so building on

that, he represented so well today. It is about growing teams and

getting the depth and breadth they will need over the next few months.

One of four individual wins. There was also the 600m, and Libby Clegg.

I guess the Scottish team will take confidence from this. They will

smile. As you said, I thought at the beginning that they thought there

was a risk of an individual team medal, but it will be an opportunity

for the team to grow. When you get performances like that, you get

belief. This team will believe in themselves. They felt the audience

supporting them, and they will pass that on. Their friends, families and

colleagues will have seen their performance today and been inspired.

It will be hard to beat the Scottish team in some events at the

Commonwealth Games. We can get the confirmation of the match score now.

It is a victory for the Commonwealth Select.

Scotland are fourth, but that does not tell the story. Colin, we talked

about James Dasaolu. He ran and credibly quick time. It was a