Lisa Weightman has won bronze in the women’s marathon at the Commonwealth Games.
The Australian finished third in a time of two hours 35 minutes and 25 seconds, behind Kenya’s Irene Kosgei (2:34:32) and Irene Mogake (2:34:43).
Making her first appearance at the Commonwealth Games, Weightman was dropped by the lead group on numerous occasions throughout the race but refused to succumb to the hot and humid conditions that New Delhi presented.
“It was alright for the first bit, but that last lap was a bit of a killer. My legs are just gone, I’m glad to be finished,” Weightman said post race, before paying tribute to the late Kerryn McCann, the dual Commonwealth Games marathon champion in both 2002 and 2006.
“She was an amazing woman and if I can achieve just half of what she achieved I’ll be very happy.”
Taking further positives from the race, Weightman said the opportunity to race some of the elite Africans provided her with an opportunity she will learn from in future races.
“That was a really great experience to have an opportunity to actually race and experience the Kenyan tactics I guess, it will put me in good stead for the next few races.”
Weightman’s bronze continued a stellar day for her coach Dick Telford, whose charge in the male event, Michael Shelley, stormed home over the final 2km to claim silver in 2:15:28.