Review Commonwealth Games

Glasgow? TQ who had not been to the banks of the Clyde, had only passed

down word of a great town. But you see it now for what it is and always

was, a city of contrasts, heavy labour and high art, one son and

hard rain. They blend to shape the people in this dear green place. It

should not have taken so long for the Commonwealth Games to come to

the second city of the old Empire. Fed by the Clyde, it carried the

world in and out. Like breathing. On the river now, reminders of a proud

history, but other grand structures spring to life, rate sporting

theatres to offer a stage with the crowd there beating hearts. And in

those arenas, the world performed, held as enthralled. You have come

and seen and you have learned. And now, you leave. Far better for

having looked behind the cover and read more deeply of the city, and

thus, rich with the memory of when the sweep of nations came to play in

this Glasgow. It has been good! It makes you

smile. The joy of sport is

in the shared experience, and we've got one final big one to

come on a bright and miraculously The competition side of the 20th

Commonwealth Games is over. 4,750 athletes have run, jumped,

cycled, swum, shot at goals and at 261 titles have been claimed,

and now it's time Yes, 11 days ago at Celtic Park,

come in, come in, it's nice to see you, was

the message to the Commonwealth. Since then, Glasgow has offered such

warm and genuine support for all And now, here at Hampden,

it's time to bid everyone a fond So, as we say in Glasgow,

all back to ours. And that means the National Stadium

is packed for the final hurrah. These have been the

Commonwealth Games of equality, A multi-faith centre near the

athletes' village welcomed those of all faiths and no faith, Para-sports

expanded to more events than ever before, and in many cases, provided

the highlights of the Games. We've seen new stars

in their teens emerge as champions, and those reaching retirement

giving it one last push. Time and time again,

we've heard from the athletes how much they've valued the support that

all of them have received. And it's not just been warm-hearted,

but whole-hearted. Over 1.2 million tickets were sold,

a record 170,000 were at Ibrox for the rugby sevens, hundreds

of thousands have turned out on the streets of the city, and 80,000

people each day have crammed into And Hampden is heaving,

hoachin' again tonight! Sir Chris Hoy has joined us in this

open studio, so we will be able to hear it and feel it.

Hampden Park was built 111 years ago.

It's staged Home Internationals, Scottish Cup finals, European Cup

And finally, we get to hear the Hampden roar!

We're just under an hour away from the start of the Closing Ceremony,

and until then, we're going to look back over the last 11 days.

We'll share it all with some familiar faces,

Chris, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper has just

praised Glasgow 2014 as the standout Games in the movement's history.

I cannot say I am surprised. What a show they have put on. I went to the

Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, that was seen as the benchmark, but

what a show it has been. I had high expectations, but they have been

exceeded. As a spectator, I have been involved a bit on the inside,

working with the BBC, all of these different angles, it has been

amazing. You have had one of the main venues named after you, which

must give you a sense of pride? It is quite bizarre when you turn up to

a stadium with your name on, that it was a proud moment, sitting there on

the first night, the spectators coming in, the athletes warming up.

I would have loved to have competed, but it was the second best thing,

watching it unfold. It is now one of the best used velodromes in the

world already, it has only been open for a year. It is not just for elite

athletes, it is school groups up until veterans, everybody is coming

down, you can see the national team training, and then make its group.

You have to have a licence to go on. You can come down for a taster

session, then you do and accreditation process, so you have a

licence, you sure you have passed the health and save the measures.

These Games have been ten years in the making.

They've created new jobs, added world-class sporting venues to

the skyline, regenerated areas of the city and proved that Glasgow

really does have good weather at times, along with the iffy stuff!

And how the host starred on its home stage.

Here in Glasgow, we like to do things differently. With a Scottish

twist. This is a city built on the water, as it showed in the pool.

What a start for the Commonwealth Games! Can we get another goal but

all for Scotland? Places here remind us of our past.

But this looked to the future. We have fallen in love with many

different sports. A brilliant swim, the gold medal to

Ross Murdoch. It is a gold medal for the second time in two days.

Brilliant stuff, and Scotland go crazy.

This is a land of myths and legends, now we have new tales to tell the

grandkids. Like the times the world heard the Hampden Park law.

Lynsey Sharp might just get their! Eilidh Child gets these all the

medal! This one is special. All over the country, the success

continued. The medals kept on coming.

We have welcomed the fastest in the world. And those that enjoy taking

it slow. Erraid Davies gets a bronze medal,

brilliant. Some had travelled thousands of

miles. Others from just down the road. There were plenty that enjoyed

a song and a dance. A bit like us, really! The Commonwealth Games is

something Glasgow will never forget. We did it right.

It was Scotland's best ever performance. It is not just about

home support, it is about belief and targeting an event and aiming for

eight years in advance. It is the planning, preparation, the fact you

are aware this is coming towards a seminal moment in your life, to have

a home support. It helps, but there was an added dimensional, and extra

pressure. It can be perceived as being a burden, so to deal with it

and the added focus and the media attention, the team did incredibly

well. Fantastic, so pleased for them, and it is great to see it

across the sports. Everywhere you looked, there were Scottish athletes

on the podium. Could you have imagined they would have smashed the

target so come principally? I did not think it would happen so soon.

Even the Federation bosses who were optimistic, they did not expected. I

went to the village on the cheese day or Wednesday last week, and they

have got a big chart with the gold medals of the Scottish team, and

they had almost run out of space, fantastic. What summed up the spirit

of the Commonwealth Games, most things have gone right, but when

things have gone wrong, we have laughed about it. We think back to

the Opening Ceremony, law moment, bringing it up the stairs, handing

over, and waiting for it to be opened. A magnificent piece of

Scottish engineering! I did not think I would get away with this! I

thought my job was done! I had the earpiece in, a voice says, somebody

help him! I did not buy what I was doing. I was trying to give him a

hand. Did you see that? She said, hurrah! That was one of the magical

moments, it set the tone. One is able to have a laugh a. As for

magical moments, what would you pick out? One favourite? You can give us

a couple. I was in the velodrome for the first four nights, and to hear

Flower of Scotland the first time was special. When Craig MacLean and

Neil Fachie won the time trial, it was amazing. It was the moment we

were waiting for. We have the silver medal before that. When they got the

second gold medal in the sprint, they had gone down after the first

ride, but what a great moment. Even Billy Connolly was in the crowd.

Craig said, it is great winning in a building named after an old bloke

who rides a bike. He is older than me! A fantastic moment. It

highlights the fact that a lot of the Para-sport events produced many

of the start moments. Absolutely, and across the board. In cycling, we

trained with the Paralympic team, it is great to see them get the

recognition they deserve. Today's event finished with road races.

ahead of team-mate Emma Pooley who won her second silver of the Games

in her final race before retirement. Geraint Thomas won the men's Road

race that was led by the Isle of Man's Peter Kennaugh for much of the

way. Thomas went clear with ten kilometres to go and suffered a

puncture, but had enough of a Leeds to claim the gold medal. Scott

Thwaites took the bronze medal. And Chris and Gabby Adcock won gold in

the badminton mixed doubles. They overwhelmed their English

team-mates, Chris Langridge and health of. -- Heather Olver. It was

a gruelling road race. 139 men started and 12 finished. It was

pouring down this morning. But it is England who topped the table for the

first time in 28 years, not since the Edinburgh games have they

finished ahead of the Australians. When you look at this and assess

what you see, how strong is the quality of the sport you have

watched? This is masses more medals than Great Britain has won at

Olympic Games, how would you assess the quality? In many sports, it is

world-class with records broken and world bests. You see stars of the

future emerging. I have mainly watched the cycling. The Australians

and Kiwis performed well but it was great to see the British riders

coming through. It was disappointing a little bit in certain events on

the track in the Velodrome, but on the whole, excellent. We are getting

close. The preparations continue. The creative director of the

ceremony wants to create a music festival feeling tonight and the

music has started among the athletes. Lee McKenzie has been with

them. Can I join your party? THEY SING.

Can I have this back for one second? We will move up. The Bahamas

looks like a quiet bunch at the moment. How much have you enjoyed

being in Glasgow? We had a very good time. We are not used to this

weather, but we had to deal with it and compete in it. You are not a fan

of the Scottish summer, but you are of the Commonwealth Games? Every

experience is different, a learning experience, and it is always a good

experience. Coming from the Bahamas, it is 90 degrees now, coming here,

it is a little bit colder. Enjoy your night.

I am loving the dancing. Lee McKenzie almost lost her microphone

completely! Going back to the review of the sport, we will try to remind

you of some of the greatest moments. We had six days of swimming rats

were spectacular. They started off in grand style for the host nation.

-- days of swimming that were spectacular.

Momentum in sport is massive. The Scots front-loaded the swimming

timetable to generate momentum. On the first date, time for a bit of M

and M. Hannah Miley. Gold to Ross Murdoch. It was a double. And for

the Canadian, Ryan was flying. Canada's 100 gold medal in the

swimming pool. The green and gold rush was spearheaded by Campbell.

Cate Campbell gets the gold. Bronte Campbell gets the silver. Before

long, the neighbours from down south joined in. Boy, did it get noisy. He

has got it. Fantastic. Fran Halsall is the champion. What a double. The

50 freestyle and the 50 fly. Gold again to England. Para swimmers took

centre stage. 13-year-old Erraid Davies gets the bronze medal.

Brilliant. And for one European, world and Paralympic champion, Ollie

Hynde, the last piece of the puzzle falls into place. Finally, he has

the complete set. After 40 years, well women threw down the gauntlet.

Jazz Carlin takes Wales to the gold medal. Davis gets the gold. Two gold

medals for Wales. The master of doing just enough did just enough.

It was close. Chad le Clos wins the gold. The Braveheart spirit lived on

and Dan was the man. Daniel Wallace of Scotland! At the last, the

Australians hope to sweep the relays but England have the final say. The

final race of the Commonwealth Games in the swimming pool is won by

England. What a wonderful swim. It is a brilliant way to finish

because England had a great time in the swimming pool, ending up with

ten gold medals. Ross Murdoch, after he beat Michael Jamieson, my

favourite image. And him on the podium. And a new word has entered

the Glasgow Calexico and for a wondrous events. A Murdoch. I am

joined by Ross Murdoch. This is an incredible thing. Your team-mates

filing past. Describe the last couple weeks. They have been life

changing. It is a privilege to be here. The atmosphere has been

incredible. A massive shout to the Scottish fans, they have been

amazing. Have you relaxed since we last spoke? I left the village for a

couple of days, started training again. You have been training? I

have the Europeans in a couple of weeks and I have to keep going. Will

you enjoyed tonight? I am looking forward to tonight. To hear the roar

from the Scottish people one more time.

He deserves to party tonight. You were in a similar situation coming

through after Manchester. The expectation levels rose. What will

change him? You could see the surprise on his face. He was not

expecting it and he was so focused on his performance he was thinking

about nothing but touching the wall and when the gold medal landed, he

was shocked. Now the target will be on his back. I am sure Michael

Jamieson will fight hard. He is still coming to terms with it. It

must be difficult. He was the poster boy for the Scottish team. He said

he felt he let the country down. It is awful because it was an amazing

performance. Not a single person in Scotland would think that. I said he

will use it in a positive way and if he looks back on it, it will help

him in the future. I heard him interviewed and he does not want to

be remembered as the man who won silver medals. Katherine Grainger,

she would be good to talk to because she turned it around. I said when he

steps on the middle step of the podium in Rio and gets a gold medal,

he will understand the importance of what happened here. I hope he is

happy for Ross Murdoch. What an amazing way. The 1-2. Many people

have shared their favourite moments. If you are on social media, use -

#BBCGlasgow2014. Richard Simpson said the Scottish medals in the

swimming pool were superb. Of all the venues producing success, it has

to be the hydro, particularly in the artistic gymnastics with Frankie

Jones. The men had many medals. And head over heels with England's new

pocket rocket. Timing is everything in gymnastics.

Seizing the moment is crucial, like the -- like for Claudia Fragapane.

She has grown into one of the stars of Glasgow and a potential giant of

the sport, becoming the first Englishwoman in 84 years to win four

gold medals at one event. It is a golden routine! Of veterinary and

just 23, Frankie Jones of Wales announced she would retire after the

Games. After five silver medals in her first five events, she bowed out

with a gold medal in her final performance. What a competition she

has had. It was unbelievable. Looking forward, Rebecca Downie

enjoyed double delight in the team event and uneven bars. An emphatic

performance. And the returning stars of London 2012, such as Louis Smith,

he helped England to glory in the team final, head of Scotland. He

answered the call. 18-year-old Nile Wilson beat Kristian Thomas in the

high bars and another of the London team, Max Whitlock, will hope his

road to Rio will continue to be paved with gold. He topped the

podium three times. The biggest cheers in the Hydro were reserved

for the Scots. Dan Keatings beat Smith and Max Whitlock to gold,

adding to his two silver medals. Your golden boy, Scotland's Daniel

Keatings. And Daniel Purvis sent the locals home happy with victory on

the parallel bars. Scotland goes crazy!

You wait 12 years for a gold medal in gymnastics and two come along in

two days. Frankie Jones was mentioned. One great moment from my

perspective was sitting last Saturday counting up... That is not

another one? Culminating in the gold with the ribbon. We should hear from

her. It seems ages since you won your

medals. It feels like for ever. What has it been like viewing Glasgow?

Incredible, the best thing in my sporting career. This is the end of

the year? Being competing, but I hope to be involved in sport and go

for other medals with other gymnasts. Have you some metalwork in

your pocket? Show us. Look at that. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

That will be some sendoff. Her father came into our programme and

he was so proud, he could not stop crying. This was an woman who had a

bad injury a couple of years ago and virtually had to learn to walk

again. Tonight will be about performances and the athletes having

fun. There will be some really good music. Lee McKenzie caught up with a

favourite band. Tonight is about fabulous entertainment. We know

about the Australian pop star, but I have two Scots men. Deacon blue. You

have been having an incredible 11 days. We have been on BBC Three

together. It has been incredible covering the sports and watching

Glasgow perform and welcome the world. It has been a great 11 days.

Glasgow perform and welcome the world. It has been Have you watched

his work on BBC Three? He is a master. It must've been pleasing to

be asked to play at this closing ceremony. These moments do not come

around often? We played at the announcement in 2007. We were

talking about it and saying, we will not be around in 2014! We are amazed

ourselves. We are lucky. You will get the crowd dancing and inspire

them? You are playing a classic. Hopefully we will play something

people know and can join in. Get some help, I cannot always remember

things at my age! This is a big moment. When I came off air I

started thinking about tonight and how big a deal it is. It is a real

celebration of what has gone before and looking ahead. To be part of it

is a great thing and a privilege. Well played to Dougie, he has

swapped his microphone for his drumsticks. Chris is a fan of Deacon

Blue, had he got the big album? One of my first records on vinyl, back

in the day! Blue, had he got the big album? One

of my first records on Just a wee lad! It was a long time ago, 1987! I

would have been 11. I was very young, obviously! Apologies for the

slight glitch is in sound. There is a lot of frequency going on. As you

are aware, the Commonwealth Games started in 1930 in Canada, 400

competitors from 11 countries in six sports. Now, 4750 competitors from

71 nations and territories in 17 sports. What is the future of the

Commonwealth Games? What does it mean in the modern world?

The Commonwealth Games has always had its ups and downs. In 1986, it

nearly went bust, as countries stayed away in protest. But

Edinburgh came through. The Commonwealth Games survived. Delhi

2010 took the Commonwealth back to the brink. Ten times over budget,

the organising committee chairman jailed for corruption. Just as the

Commonwealth's role in world affairs was being questioned, it was looking

as though the Commonwealth Games had lost their place in the sporting

calendar. They desperately needed a safe pair of hands, so bring on

Glasgow 2014. Certainly, Commonwealth history and current

political reality gets very conjugated very quickly, but you

know what they say about mixing sport and politics, the people make

us go, and those same people have made and loved these Commonwealth

Games. There is nothing like sport, no other activity, that brings

people together and communities together. Games are important, you

only have to walk around Glasgow to see how important they are, and the

Commonwealth Games is still relevant. It is easy to knock the

Commonwealth Games, and in some events, the competition is not world

class. But when was the last time he watched the six Nations and thought,

this does not mean anything, the all Blacks are not in it? We are off and

for the Commonwealth, working to ensure that our product continues to

grow, not necessarily in size, but in prominence and position. It is a

major sporting event. Highlights in Glasgow have included the

integration of the Para-sport events alongside the able-bodied. Like the

crowds, the majority of Commonwealth superstars have embraced the

Commonwealth Games. The Brownlee brothers, Adams, Chad Le Clos, Sally

Pearson, Greg Rutherford, David -- Geraint Thomas, David Weir, they

have all made it a priority. And we have seen the emergence of some new

icons as well. It can give you so much confidence and experience.

Going to a big event, they are going out on a big stage like that, it

teaches you how to cope with pressure. The athlete will have to

peak early to be ready for the next Commonwealth Games, on Australia's

Gold Coast in April 2018. The on that, it remains to be seen, but the

stage seems set for a battle between Durban and Edmonton. Glasgow has

been a great advert for what the Commonwealth Games can do to a city,

proud, passionate and within their means. This is how to put on a major

championship. Different eras and challenges, but it is the same

event. It might just be that Scotland has once again saved the

Commonwealth Games. From one running champion to

another, Katherine Grainger is with us. You never completed, but you

have had a look around, you have been out and about, what was the

chief value? There are different values. From an athlete's point of

view, it is rare that you get to compete in a multisport event, so it

is either an Olympic sport, and you have the athletes village

experience, which you do not get otherwise, or if not, this is the

pinnacle, once every four years. For an athlete's experience, it is

priceless. From the point of view of the city, I am Glaswegian born and

bred, 18 years here, I have never seen the city look as good as this.

I got really emotional. It is looking fantastic. You bring the

world together, and you have an incredible show. The athletes and

spectators have loved it, it is amazing. Those athletes are so rare,

you have to enjoy them. Lord Coe said the same thing, he felt this

had saved the Commonwealth Games. An opportunity to learn from other

sports, to sit and discuss ideas, whether you are cyclists Thomas

women's, hockey players, you do not get that chance very often. You

would not want to see it as a springboard for the Olympics, people

use that to contextualise this, but it is a unique event. You can see it

on its own for what it is. For many athletes, to represent their

country, this will be the pinnacle of their career. For many, it will

be the breakthrough event, it was for me, in 2002, when I won a gold

medal, that gave me confidence and experience. There is a gimmick

atmosphere, being in a multisport event. It will be fascinating to see

what happens beyond 2018, because Durban are bidding against Edmonton,

and so far the Commonwealth Games have not been to Africa. How

important is it that this circus moves their? It is great. We have

seen what it has done for Glasgow and Scotland and Britain. It will be

massive on the Gold Coast, Australia is such a sporting nation. We have

seen it successfully in Canada. To go to Africa for the first time, if

they can celebrate it, it would do wonders for sport and for selling

South Africa again. A lot of noise here as we build up towards the

closing ceremony, but plenty going on in the city. You heard Andrew

Cotton say that the original word for Glasgow means dear green place.

Tony Grey Thomson is at Glasgow -- does go green. What is happening?

The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant. There is a real party

celebration. It is not raining! Let's reflect on the success of the

integration of Para-sport and the expansion of them. More than ever

before, 22 events over five sports. You have a concern about the number

of nations that are entering competitors, and that could be

bigger. There are only 20 countries that have sent athletes. But they

have tried to do is pick events to put on the programme that the least

at the top end but need development at the bottom end. We need more than

20 countries sending athletes here. It is aborted for the Paralympic

movement. What they have done has been incredible. In the next four

years, we need to do more. Does that need added funding? I think they do

a reasonable job, they have a pot of money and they try to give it to

developing committees. There is an issue with some sports in terms of

the funding for equipment, for racing chairs, it isn't -- it is

expensive. They have developed a cheaper chair, which is a starter

for young athletes, but there is more that the governing body could

do and more that the developed countries can do, especially amongst

the women athletes, give them a push forward. Looking over the last 11

days, what would be your standout moment? I think it has got to be

David Weir. He made it look so easy. He is in the shape of his life. It

was a tough field for him. We have got the European Championships in

three weeks, we are hoping for good things then as well. Everybody is

looking at the kids behind you, starting their own judo competition,

until the dad came over! We are going to catch up with a couple of

successful siblings. Alistair and Jonathan Bradley, what

are you doing back in town? We only went home for a queue days, we had

half an idea we might come back up, and we started to make the journey.

Does it feel like ages since you when your medals? Yes, it feels like

a long time ago. Weeks and weeks ago. We only decided to come five

hours ago. Alistair went for a run and knocked on my door and said,

let's go. It feels like a long time ago. You have done pretty much

everything. Has Glasgow been a different experience? Very

different, very friendly. I have really enjoyed it. I have never been

to a Commonwealth Games before. It was different from London, but in a

nice way. How have you felt about setting another goal for yourself?

Not for this year, but we have some World Series racing, it would be

good to have a shot at the grand final. That is important. The next

goal is the Olympics in two years. A bit of time to have a bit of

reflection first. It is good to see you both, well done again.

That is a massive compliment to Glasgow that Alistair Brownlee

wanted to come here, because he was so exhausted after the team

triathlon, he was getting into the state, he said he wanted to be a

professional... Not a grump, careful! It is great that they

wanted to come back. So many people have been out there, they were

supporting the child long, and they were out today watching the road

races. So many people have been in touch with us, using the hashtag,

even though they do not like sport, they have enjoyed it. Here are some

of the moments you will remember. Jodie Stimpson claimed the first

gold medal of the Commonwealth Games. There were no surprises in

the men's race. Alistair Brownlee, the Olympic champion, is now the

Commonwealth champion. Gemma Gibbons was beaten. It is all over. Euan

Burton ended his career on a high. That was superb, he wins the gold

medal. Mrs Burton looking on! The second gold medal for the sisters.

Bradley Wiggins was back on track. England have to settle for the

silver medal. England's women went one better. Joanna Rowsell wins the

gold medal, Laura Trott delivered again when it mattered. Gold for the

world champion. It is a gold medal for Craig MacLean! Piloting Neil

Fachie! Lizzie Armistead triumphed on the road. Nobody close. Geraint

Thomas for Wales, the first ever Welsh male to win a gold medal on

two wheels. A grudge match in the squash final four Nick Matthew. He

has won two successive Commonwealth gold medals. So we Smith wowed the

crowd with her gymnastic skills. -- Zoe Smith. What a great way to

finish the day. The record for the most successful Scottish athlete in

Commonwealth history was eclipsed. A clean sweep for England in the mixed

doubles. Paul and Joanna Drinkhall took the Commonwealth title.

Brilliant. Northern Ireland's medal flurry came late, with Michael

Conlan and Paddy Barnes taking the honours. Northern Ireland's boxers

won a remarkable nine medals in the boxing ring. Nicola Adams became the

first ever female Commonwealth boxing champion. Unconfined joy

expressed I Nicola Adams. With Savanna Marshall joining her in the

history books as the middleweight champion. Also success for Charlie

Flynn and Josh Taylor from Scotland. It was an all England final, with

Chris and Gabby Adcock raiding supreme. The husband and wife have

won for the first time ever. In Edinburgh, it was a gold medal for

Jacques Rogge. A guiding masterclass. He made it a double

with Chris Mears. And further gold medals. And, could Tom Daley defend

his title? At standing from Tom Daley, retaining his Commonwealth

Games title he won four years ago. One message we had from David said,

I cannot say how much we enjoyed Jack Laugher and Chris Mears wedding

together, love, mum and dad. It is from David Laugher. Another said, I

have never enjoyed sport so much. Nicolas said she is proud to be a

Glaswegian. So many great moments, including Charlie Flynn's banter.

This is the first person to win a medal of any colour, any time, any

place for his nation. This sums up the wonder of the Commonwealth Games

that he genuinely put his country on the map. You find out the different

nations you have never heard of and they are pretty good at sport.

Nauru, also. I remember watching their weightlifting team and the

strength. And we had never heard of it before. He said when he came into

the studio he had not been home for four years in order to pursue his

dream and with the new Caledonia. You heard a word with Euan Burton,

who felt the pressure to deliver. One of the favourite quotes of these

games, this was a once in 100 lifetimes experience. What an

incredible couple of weeks. Describe the emotions. It has been a range of

thing is, nerves, excitement, pride. That is the overriding

emotion. Everybody seems to be proud to be part of the team and proud to

walk out as part of the most successful team we have had. You

have won a gold medal. You have now retired and you are a coach. A

roller-coaster. It will take time to get into that transition of being a

coach. Myself and maps were talking about it on the bus. -- Matt. Quite

a few people extended their career to hear to be able to experience

this and nobody regrets it. Everybody retiring after Glasgow

appreciates there is no better way to end their career, in front of a

passionate home crowd. Chris, you know very well the pressure of

carrying in the flag, you did it several times, how much extra

pressure does it put on you to deliver a gold medal? It depends on

how you deal with it. I spoke to Euan Burton the day he received the

flag, and he was so excited to receive it. You never expect it and

you cannot prepare for that moment. It is not as if you prepare for the

procedure, it is put upon you -- the stowed upon you at the last minute.

Luckily, I was able to deal with it positively in London, thinking it is

an honour to lead out the team at the home games. I said to him to

enjoy the moment and realise that you have achieved something. He

clearly relished the opportunity and he led from the front. The party is

starting to build up and Hazel will have to leave us because she is part

of the commentary team. It was a wonderful games for women and Lizzie

Armitstead was the first to win from Great Britain, one of the last from

England to win a gold medal here. Lizzie Armitstead, it is lovely to

see you dry after that gold medal performance. I really wanted it to

rain, so I was happy with the conditions. It is strange but I like

racing in the rain. You have had hours in the saddle and now this. I

started at 5am because the race was at 8am stop it is feeling like a

long day but I am sure that Kylie will sort me out! What was the

build-up like? Presumably you did not see it because you were trading

abroad. I came straight from the Tour de France last week. There was

a stage in France for the women. I stayed out of this environment as

long as possible. It has been fantastic stop I am so used to a

silver medal and to be able to say I am a champion, I am happy. It is

good to see racing on an equal platform with the men. The women's

race is as interesting as the men's and I am proud of it. You must be

shattered. I am. Wonderful scenes as she crossed the line today. We have

been promised a sendoff. Kylie is deciding on what to wear. We are

told she will join in on what is described as a typical night out in

Glasgow, which I would pay to see! She is one of a number of performers

to have played at Hampden Park, they include the Rolling Stones. I will

have to go because I am backing vocals to Andrew Cotter tonight.

That is something I would pay to see. Over the past 11 days we have

been here, marching to the sound of The Proclaimers with 500 Miles. They

help to set the atmosphere and they proved that Hampden is a fine

athletics venue. Silence. In the moments before you

compete, there is nothing else. The track stretches ahead and

opportunity knocks. This is your chance. The question is - will you

take it? In a majestic stadium, the Hampden crowd witnessed the quiet.

Again and again. Is this her moment of destiny? And then the raw, filled

with national pride, raised the rafters. Eilidh Child of Scotland

takes the silver. Scotland celebrates. It spurs the world's

greatest on to victory. A new games record. The master performed.

Glasgow gold for Usain Bolt and Jamaica. The home games, a new and

inviting stage, and with it came pressure. Pressure to meet

expectations. David Rudisha, the great one, proves he is only human.

To perform to your best. And to grasp opportunities. Adam Gemili.

Greg Rutherford. Hampden watched pressure being embraced. Athletes

stretched themselves to their limit. She never gives up. Fighting for the

finishing line. And winning by the smallest of margins. The sound of

celebration resonated around the stadium. In time, success here will

provide a springboard to even greater heights. The chance for

reflection will come. With it will grow a quiet determination. To make

this experience a stepping stone onto next adventure. The voice of

Michael Johnson. You could listen to that all night. The voice of

athletics, another one, Steve Cram. What was your moment it of the

Games? Laura Weightman, the girl by coach winning in the 1500, the

silver medal, if you have a connection to any thing, it is extra

special. Jo Pavey last night. We have watched her for so many years.

It was a bronze medal, but a great medal, a 40-year-old mother. Eilidh

Child. A silver medal but all of the pressure she has had. The lap of

honour on that night... Usain Bolt did a great one, but I think Eilidh

Child's was better. The stadium was rocking. This has been a really good

athletics programme. It has been really special. It has been a great

venue and it is a shame the track will be dismantled. The guts and

determination, particularly when she said she had been sick the night

before, Lynsey Sharp, that was some silver medal. She would have been

hoping and crossing her fingers, maybe I have a chance. She has had a

tough year. I said in commentary that not everybody knows the whole

story. Sometimes you do not want to tell everything in commentary

because you do not know what people want to share. But it was a great

silver medal and performance. Lynsey Sharp, a couple of days since your

medal, has it sunk in? I do not think so. I need to sit down and

watch it on my own before I realise what I did. The feeling of being a

Scottish athlete in front of that crowd, life has changed. Just before

the game started I was in a taxi and the driver said if I won medal it

would change my life. Meeting people has been amazing and people said

they were touched by the performance. What do you think

Glasgow people brought to the Games? So much happiness. I am so

proud. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

It is a relief to see her looking more healthy. None of us knew what

she had been through to get the medal. It was phenomenal, the race,

for any healthy athlete. I do not know what you are like if you have

been ill all night, mentally and physically, a big task to perform on

the stage. Jo Pavey, really inspirational. For women and girls.

Erraid Davies in the swimming, 13 years old, women reacting. Saying

they want to get involved. You can go to the Get Inspired website to

find a local club, where you can take up a sport. There are those who

can be grumpy about the Commonwealth Games and they say it is

anachronistic and irrelevant, but millions more appreciate the sheer

joy this event can bring. It brings together nations from around the

world and that's joy and sense of occasion means that reaching out

across and over the oceans, the Commonwealth Games finds a special

place in our hearts. Those are some of the people and

performances that have made us better as human beings. Charlie

Flynn, the mailman delivers again was his line. Many thanks to

Katherine Grainger, Steve Cram and Sir Chris Hoy.

Katherine Grainger, Steve Cram and This is one major performers

Katherine Grainger, Steve Cram and This is one left at the Commonwealth

Games and describing the sendoff will be Hazel Irvine and Andrew

Cotter. ANDREW COTTER: The three great

football stadiums of Glasgow have been commandeered to play parts,

including Celtic Park for the opening ceremony. Ibrox Malcolm did

how many people? 170,000 people. Hampden Park roared again and again.

Thankfully, it is staying dry. And