John Salvado / AAP News
The recent world champion has come away with a silver medal in the women’s high jump, after a self-described “frustrated and disappointed” performance.
A “frustrated and disappointed” Eleanor Patterson was in no mood to offer any excuses after having to settle for a shock high jump silver at the Commonwealth Games.
A fortnight after winning the world title in Eugene in thrilling style, Patterson was the red-hot favourite to claim a second Commonwealth title in Birmingham.
The odds of a Patterson triumph shortened even further when fellow Australian and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers withdrew on the eve of the final after tearing a calf muscle in the qualifying round.
But no one reckoned on Lamara Distin.
The Jamaican blew the competition wide open with a first-round clearance at 1.95m.
Patterson was unable to respond, missing three times at 1.95m – seven centimetres less than her Australian record-equalling effort in Eugene.
The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback from another Jamaican, Kimberley Williamson, at 1.92m.
“I am just really frustrated and disappointed,” said Patterson.
“I didn’t really show what I can do at all.
“I was not jumping how I can and how I usually do and so it is just really frustating.”
Patterson acknowledged their may have been a comedown from the remarkable high of world championships gold.
“I have just got to go to the whiteboard and think about it all and take it in, but maybe a little bit,” she said.
“Maybe I need to adjust to that expectation and title that is attached to my name.
“I honestly think there are no excuses at the end of the day.
“No matter what, I am world champion but who cares, I have still got to come out and perform every time.”
Patterson will now turn her attention to the remainder of the Diamond League season.
With the gold medal already in her keeping on Saturday, the 22-year-old Distin had three unsuccessful attempts at what would have been a Jamaican record of 1.98m.
Distin had finished ninth in the world championships final won by Patterson.
Australia’s premier race walker Jemima Montag added the 10,000m track title to the 20km gold she won four years ago on the roads of the Gold Coast.
Montag broke clear at the halfway stage of Saturday’s final to win in 42 minutes 34.30 seconds.
Rebecca Henderson was fourth and Katie Hayward was seventh after incurring a one-minute penalty.
Also on Saturday, Rohan Browning fell flat on his face at the final changeover in the men’s 4x100m relay heats.
Australia was well placed to claim a spot in the final before the botched final changeover, where 100m finalist Browning tumbled to the track before third-leg runner Jack Hale could get him the baton.
Naa Anang anchored the women’s 4x100m relay team to third spot in their heat in 43.47 and a spot in Sunday’s final.
Julie Charlton was last in the F55-57 women’s shot put final.
