Manchester is still playing a leading role in the Commonwealth Games 12 years on with eight athletes heading to Glasgow.
Six Sale Harriers athletes have made the 129-strong England side, with Wigan’s Jenny Meadows and Trafford’s Sally Scott also heading north of the border for the two-week competition which kicks off on July 23.
Congratulations to all athletes selected to represent England @weRengland who train at Manchester Regional Arena
— ManchesterSportTrust (@McrSportTrust) June 17, 2014
Sale’s 400m runner Kelly Massey, relay sprinter Andrew Robertson, Norfolk-born high jumper Chris Baker, pole vaulter Katie Byres, hammer throwers Alex Smith and Sarah Holt will be representing the Manchester outfit in Scotland.
The athletes, who train at the Manchester Regional Arena that was originally built for the 2002 Games, will be joined by the likes of London 2012 Olympic heroes Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah as they look to build on third place in the 2010 medals table in Dehli.
England’s tally of 38 golds, 58 silvers and 46 bronze medals was not enough to top Australia and the hosts India – but the class of 2014 have already taken to Twitter to celebrate making the squad.
Massey, Byres and Holt were straight on the social media site to share their joy:
I will be representing @weRengland at this years #Glasgow2014 Commonwealth Games. Check out the rest of the team http://t.co/QLfKHvcpY3
— Kelly Massey (@kellymassey400) June 16, 2014
So happy to say I’ve be selected for @weRengland at the Commonwealth Games!! #TeamEngland #Glasgow2014
— Katie Byres (@KTByres) June 16, 2014
Really happy to be representing Team England at @Glasgow2014 Commonwealth Games. Can’t wait @weRengland pic.twitter.com/06elxno6nr
— Sarah Holt (@SarahHolt1) June 16, 2014
Meadows’ coach and partner Trevor Painter also tweeted that the 33-year-old had made the cut – over a decade after scooping silver at the City of Manchester Stadium.
At last we can discuss it!!! Happy to be going back to the Commonwealth Games 12 years after our first trip!! #manchester2002 #Glasgow2014
— Trevor painter (@Faster_feet) June 16, 2014
One athlete in the squad has already made a splash in the city this year, Meghan Beesley broke the world record for the 200 metres hurdles by 0.69 seconds at last month’s Great City Games.
Selected for @weRengland in the 400m hurdles! #Glasgow2014
— Meghan Beesley (@meghanbeesley) June 16, 2014
Image courtesy of wearenglandtv via YouTube with thanks
