Birmingham's Commonwealth Games: The best bits
From the Raging Bull to Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s gold medal
Last updated 9th Aug 2022
The Commonwealth Games came to an end last night after a spectacular 11 days of sports.
The Games provided several highlights and memorable moments, starting off and ending with incredible ceremonies at the Alexander Stadium.
Here's some of our favourite moments as we welcomed the world to the West Midlands
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games best bits
1) Spectacular opening ceremony
Duran Duran, who are from Birmingham, kicked off the games with a fantastic opening ceremony. Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai delivered a speech and Prince Charles arrived in an eco-friendly vintage Aston Marin powered by wine and cheese.
2) The Para-games was fully integrated
The Birmingham 2022 Games was the first time Para-games were integrated fully with the games. Para-games spectators did not need to attend different venues with a number of Para events being featured in daily programmes.
3) Buzzer beater secures gold for England
England won their first ever gold in men's 3x3 basketball with a last second shot by Myles Hesson resulting in a 17-16 win over Australia.
4) Games inspired kids to take up sports
This year's games had more medals for women then men for the first time. The Duchess of Cambridge revealed Princess Charlotte, who attended the games, wants to take up sports and win a gold medal.
5) Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins again
Katarina Johnson-Thompson returned from injury to win gold in the heptathlon. Thompson repeated her winning performance from the 2018 Gold Coast Games despite, having suffered a number of serious injuries over the last three years.
6) England’s most successful gymnast
Jake Jarman sets the record for the most successful gymnast at a single game. The 20-year-old Jarman won four gold medals.
7) 10 years after winning gold in London 2012, Laura Kenny wins gold at same venue
Laura Kenny won the women's cycling 10km scratch race. Kenny completed the feet at London's Lee Valley Velo Park, the site of her Olympic gold medal, ten years ago at the London 2012 Games.
8) Chris Murray lifts 325kg to win gold
Chris Murray won gold for England in the men's 81kg weight lifting division. Lifting a combined weight of 325kg, Murray said "I can't sum it up. I'll be in my room tonight still not being able to put it into words. It's incredible".
9) The Raging Bull
Birmingham fell in love with another bull. The Raging Bull which featured in the opening ceremony wowed the crowed and now it will remain at Centenary Square in Birmingham until the end of September.
10) The Closing Ceremony
11 days of sporting action were brought to an end with a spectacular closing ceremony. Multiple music acts from the West Midlands performed, including a surprise appearance by Ozzy Osbourne and members of Black Sabbath to close the show.