FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: ATHLETICS

Here’s what I learned about one of the busiest sports of the Commonwealth Games:

1. There is no prejudice between nations

Fans everywhere in Hampden clapped for every competitor, no matter what nation they represented or where they came in the standings.

Despite there being only one Scottish winner, everyone in the stadium was astounded by the races and events happening all round Hampden Park. Everyone stood up for the national anthems of the winning nations, and no one booed or jeered any athlete who won or didn't quite make the final cut. The silence for the anthems showed that, no matter the athlete, respect is given to all if they deserve it.

2. The atmosphere around Hampden was electric

At every event I have been to during these Commonwealth Games I have to say that the crowd at Hampden is probably the best I have ever seen. Even the crowd at Ibrox for the Rugby Sevens was not quite as electric or as loud as the one at Hampden Park. To get the crowd started throughout the Games, the presenters choose a person, usually a child, from the crowds and let them push a big red button, which starts off the “opening sequence”. This time they chose a young boy from Jamaica to push it. Not only did he get into it, but the crowd did as well, giving the boy the feeling that he was one of the athletes competing - a nice touch and undoubtedly a brilliant experience for the boy.

3. Everyone got pulled into the exciting atmosphere of the races, even if they didn’t particularly like the event happening

Not everyone who goes to sporting events is a sports fan. People go for the atmosphere, or to say “I was there”. However, once the crowd starts to get behind an athlete it is hard not to get dragged into the roars and cheers from the surrounding fans. I've seen people who have never been to a sporting event in their lives cheer and scream for athletes they know nothing about.

4. Para-sports are integrated in with all the other events

Regardless of each athlete's varying abilities, they are all treated equally and fairly by officials and spectators alike. There is no added pressure, no special attention, and no discrimination against them. If they win, they win, and if they lose, they lose - but they lose as Commonwealth athletes, watched by everyone, and loved by most. 

5. Athletics is one of the busiest sports, due to the three or four events going on simultaneously 

During the athletics, I was confused as to where on the track and field I should look, as there were three to four different events going on at once, and even the cameras couldn’t quite keep up with the commentators. The athletics is undoubtedly one of the busiest and most complex sporting events to be staged her for the Commonwealth games. I've never seen so many athletes together in one place since the opening ceremony, and I doubt I will again until the closing celebrations, on August 3rd.