Elliot Jones, an unheralded English 100m sprinter making his international debut at 28, won his heat in 10.07 seconds at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and used the moment to criticise the wave of withdrawals that has hit the event.
Jones expresses 'national pride' after late call-up
Jones, whose day job is working for Uefa on matchday operations in the Champions League and Europa League, was phoned by the England team's sprints manager on Thursday night after Louis Hinchliffe pulled out. He accepted immediately, catching a bus from Glasgow the next morning. 'The national pride I have is so, so high,' he said. 'I personally don't understand why athletes wouldn't want to come and represent their country, regardless of timetables. I'm going to take every international call I can get.'
Nine Team England athletes have withdrawn
Nine Team England athletes have withdrawn during the past week, including former world champions Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith. Most have not given a reason. Scotland's Eilish McColgan also withdrew on Saturday due to injury. The absentees have created opportunities for others, and Jones grabbed his with a 10.07 run to qualify third overall for the semi-finals.
Welsh sprinter Azu echoes sentiment
Wales' Jeremiah Azu, the world indoor 60m champion, also advanced in 10.10 and echoed Jones's view. 'Because of this,' he said, pointing to the word Cymru on his vest. 'To put this vest on is such a privilege and an honour, and I would never put that opportunity to the side. I would never disrespect the flag like that.'
Women's 100m hit by high-profile absences
On the women's side, six of the top 10 100m times in 2026 have been run by Commonwealth athletes, but none are competing in Glasgow. England's Imani-Lara Lansiquot, a two-time Olympic 4x100m medallist, said she was delighted to be at the 'Friendly Games'. 'I think this competition is a great springboard for athletes,' she said. 'And it's a great springboard for us as a country, in a time where it feels very divided.'
Crowds and atmosphere defy cold weather
A crowd of 7,500 attended the opening morning despite temperatures in the low teens. Spectators cheered all competitors, including Tye Leo-Stroud of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, who ran a season's best 11.85 in the men's 100m. 'It was cold – I didn't expect it,' Leo-Stroud said. 'Where I am from is very hot, both during day and at night.'
Upcoming races and star power concerns
Upcoming highlights include the men's mile featuring world record holder Josh Kerr, his compatriot Jake Wightman, and Australian Cam Myers, and the women's 800m rematch between Kenya's Lilian Odira and England's Georgia Hunter-Bell. England Athletics' team leader Scott Grace defended those who withdrew, citing focus on the European championships in two weeks. Euan Crumley of Athletics Weekly noted spectators asking which athletes would be present, saying, 'Some are – like Amy Hunt. But not all the names they mentioned will be, sadly.'
