Some of the Commonwealth Games' greatest moments
The Games have provided many unforgettable sporting moments
Last updated 26th Jul 2022
The Commonwealth Games 2022 are coming to Birmingham in just a few days time and with some of the world's best athletes heading to the West Midlands, we thought we'd have a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the last 92 years.
The Commonwealth Games have seen world records, incredible competition and world firsts.
Here are just a few of the best moments, including a dead heat 200-meter race to Ian Thorpe becoming the most decorated Commonwealth athlete ever.
Here are five of the most memorable moments from the Commonwealth Games:
1) Roger Bannister beats John Landy in the "Miracle Mile" at Vancouver 1954
In Vancouver in 1954 at what was then called the British Empire Games, the two fastest men to have run a mile faced off. Roger Bannister had set the record for running a mile, which he did in under four minutes, but John Landy had beaten that record within a few months. The two men faced each other at the Vancouver Games, with Bannister taking the Gold medal. It was the first mile race in history in which two runners finished under four minutes.
2) Precious wins in Christchurch 1974
South African-born Precious McKenzie wins his third consecutive gold medal in weightlifting.
Mr McKenzie represented both England and New Zealand after being unable to compete for SouthAfrica due to Apartheid rules. McKenzie who was only 4'9", brought millions of people to sport and inspired people across the world. Legend has it, the Queen and Prince Philip were late for an engagement as they both wanted to watch Mr McKenzie win his third medal. Precious McKenzie has one of the world's longest held sporting records - one of his lifts in 1979 is still to be beaten!
3) Filbert Bayi breaks the 1,500m world record at Christchurch 1974
Representing Tanzania, Filbert Bayi broke the world record for the 1,500m race in 1974, running in 3 minutes, 32.2 seconds. Mr Bayi still holds the Commonwealth Games record.
4) Ian Thorpe becomes the most gold-medalled male athlete at Manchester 2002
Affectionally known as "Thorpedo" Ian Thorpe won his sixth gold medal in swimming, winning more gold medals than anyone else in an individual games.
5) 200m gold medal shared at Brisbane 1982
In a thrilling race, Allan Wells representing Scotland and Mike McFarlane representing England finished the 200m in a dead heat making for the only gold medal draw in Commonwealth history.
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