Jess Stenson has claimed gold in the women’s marathon at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a blistering run.
The Aussie star was well clear of her rivals as she crossed the finishing line with a time of 2:27:31.
Emotion hit in the final hundred metres as the crowd erupted and cheered her home.
“South Australian icon, Australian hero now. Champion of the Commonwealth,” Bruce McAvaney said.
Stenson finished third in both the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, but now stands atop the world with a heroic run that left fellow competitors in her wake.
“Bit surreal, to be honest. I really was making sure I didn’t think about the outcome during the race. I was just focusing on one hill at a time,” Stenson said after the race.
“That last kilometre went forever. This crowd support was phenomenal. Honestly, that was one for the team. Like, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without those girls.
“At 20 kilometres, I hada really important water bottle with a caffeinated gel on it. It wasn’t there. Elsie gave me her caffeinated gel. I wouldn’t have got that result without that. I want those girls to wear the medal too, because it was a real team effort today.”
Moments after crossing the finishing line, Stenson celebrated her historic moment with her two-year-old son Billy and husband Dylan.
The 34-year-old lined up in the green and gold for the first time as a mum and she put forth her best display. She spoke about the journey from motherhood to gold.
“It’s been quite a journey to this start line. I mean, it has been for everyone. It’s been a really unique couple of years. I definitely think there’s something in that becoming a mum makes you stronger. I think both physically and mentally and emotionally. Go mums.”
Stenson’s partner and parents spoke about the incredible effort and praised just how hard she has worked.
“Certainly something we won’t be forgetting any time soon. Incredibly special and, yeah, I’m sure Billy will look back on this moment and may not remember, but will be able to see some great photos,” Dylan said.
“I’m so proud of my girl. Unbelievable. I can’t believe that she’s done that. Yeah, I expected the most, but I can’t believe that she’s done it. Very proud of her. Very proud of her,” Stenson’s mum said.
“Very proud. I didn’t think in my wildest dreams she would ever get three medals in three Games. And especially a gold. I’m blown away,” her dad added.
Originally published as Jess Stenson blows rivals away to claim marathon gold after two bronze medal finishes
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