Before heading to the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley had one goal – to be Commonwealth champion.

Last night, Fearnley claimed Australia’s first ever gold medal in a Commonwealth Games wheelchair track event, with victory in the T54 1500m. In a time of 3:19.86, Fearnley finished one second clear of countryman and silver medalist Richard Colman (3:20.90).

The three-time Paralympian made his move two laps into the medal decider, moving up the outside to sit just behind Canadian contender and race leader Josh Cassidy, then joining with Colman in a charge home to finish one-two for Australia.

“Today I don’t know what it was, nerves or that the heat picked up a bit, but when I was going into the start of the race I was fairly cautious and got away to a cautious old start,” Fearnley said.

“After two laps I started to feel a little more confident and at 200m I sneaked a look under the arm.”

Fearnley said the opportunity to join his able-bodied counterparts at a major international meet was a unique experience.

“I’ve never been part of a Commonwealth Games team atmosphere like this with integrated events and I’ve got to see some really cool things,” the 29-year-old said.

“I got to see (Australian javelin thrower) Jarrod Bannister, spend five minutes with this African guy in a wheelchair teaching him how to throw a javelin. When you see things like that happen you really appreciate how positive a thing these integrated events can be.”

Under the weather leading into the race, Colman was buoyant in walking away with the silver medal.

“I’m really excited, I wasn’t too sure how I was going to go out there, I’ve been crook all day but I feel better now, once I started warming up the adrenalin kicked in and I just had to get there,” he said.

“I’m glad there was only a 150m sprint because that’s my bit, I can really use my steam and come out around the boys. I really had to race smart and not go to the front too early and get worn out so I stayed safe and stayed wide most of the way.”

Young gun Jake Lappin finished seventh in the 10-man final in a time of 3:24.26.

By Athletics Australia
Posted 11/10/2010