Australia’s men’s 4x100m relay team won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking the first time the Australian national anthem has played during a podium ceremony for this event since 1974, according to the source.
The victory came after significant drama surrounding medal placings. Canada finished second over the line but were initially disqualified. They appealed the disqualification decision and won their appeal, which resulted in them being officially named silver medallists. This decision bumped Ghana back to third place and Nigeria down to second.
The complexity of the appeals process created logistical challenges for the Games organizers. According to CBC sports reporter Devin Heroux, crews were pulling apart the stadium before the final podium ceremony had even started. The medal ceremony and Australian anthem were played on a localized sound system rather than the main stadium system, as the ceremony occurred past the curfew in Glasgow.
The relay victory was part of a dominant day for the Australian contingent at the Games. Australia surpassed 150 medals on day nine and closed out a full athletics program. The nation now has 65 gold medals, significantly ahead of England’s 26 gold medals.
Australia’s success extended beyond the relay event. Kurtis Marschall won his third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the pole vault and set a new Games record by clearing 5.85m, breaking the previous record of 5.80m set by Australian Steve Hooker in 2006. In women’s javelin, Mackenzie Little won her maiden international gold medal with a throw of 61.88m.
Key facts
- Australia won the men’s 4x100m relay gold, the first Australian anthem at this event’s podium ceremony since 1974
- Canada initially disqualified but won an appeal to claim silver, moving Ghana to third and Nigeria to second
- The medal ceremony was held on a localized sound system due to Glasgow’s curfew restrictions
- Australia accumulated 65 gold medals by day nine, leading England’s 26 golds