Camberley's Owen Heard was flying high in more ways than one after claiming Commonwealth Games pole vault bronze.
The former Collingwood College student cleared 5.70 metres to secure his first-ever podium at a major championship.
South Africa's Kyle Rademeyer cleared the same height as Heard but won silver on countback, while Australia's Kurtis Marschall secured gold.
"I totally enjoyed it. It was cold but the crowd warmed us up and we made it work," said Heard, one of 251 Team England athletes here in Glasgow, all of whom benefit from crucial National Lottery funding.
"It was a dogfight. We were like gladiators going toe to toe. I was in silver for a long time and then I dropped to bronze and so nearly cleared a personal best to go back to silver, but I'm just delighted. This means everything, all the hard work, all the ups and downs.
"The standard was so huge. I don't think there has ever been a better-quality Commonwealth Games pole vault. It was just great to put on a big show with the other boys."
Heard was supported by a big group of supporters from Surrey, including pupils from his former school in Camberley. He will get another chance to reach the podium at the European Championships, staged for the first time in the UK, in Birmingham later this month.
He added: "Lots of friends and family were here. I could really hear all the supporters and I just loved it. My mum used to drive me to training and that was the foundation for this.
"My granddads were watching at home and this is for them. I know Danny was willing me over the bar, and Colin, he's my Scottish grandpa. It means so much to do it in his home country."
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33m is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you that sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK.
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