Williamson’s injury comeback headlines Aussie medal charge
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Sam Williamson had to learn how to walk 12 months ago. Now, he’s a Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
Adding to a supercharged gold rush for the Australian team in Glasgow, the 28-year-old willed his incredible comeback into existence, storming to victory in the men’s 100m breaststroke final.
Australia’s Sam Williamson after taking out the men’s 100m breaststroke. AP Photo/Manish Swarup
“After everything that has happened, to come away with a gold medal, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life,” Williamson said on Seven.
“Getting up on the blocks tonight was something I was always going to be proud of so to come away with a gold is a dream come true.
“If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”
Williamson’s triumph was just one highlight in a dominant night for the Australian swimming team, kicked off by a spectacular all-Aussie podium in the men’s 400m freestyle.
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Sam Short claimed gold with a blistering time of 3:41.25, which had him ahead of Elijah Winnington in second with a time of 3:45.56 and Ben Goedemans with a 3:45.57.
The momentum continued as Mollie O’Callaghan snatched gold in the women’s 200m freestyle, narrowly pipping fellow Aussie Lani Pallister to the wall.
Undefeated in the event at major meets since 2023, O’Callaghan admitted she is still finding her rhythm as she battles bone bruises on her back during the Games.
Team Australia pose for a photo by the pool. Getty Images
“It’s not my best time but to be here is a privilege. So I’m proud of myself to get up to this moment and my team to get me up to race standards after my injury,” O’Callaghan said after the race.
“It’s not the greatest swim but it’s something. Love a gold.”
Rounding out the swimming victories, Alex Perkins claimed gold in the women’s 50m butterfly, despite a mid-race equipment malfunction.
“I can’t really see through my goggles, so I just try to look for my name, but it usually is long and it just says Alex today. So yeah, I couldn’t really tell, but it’s just a relief,” she said.
The last victors in the pool were the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, and by quite a distance.
Flynn Southam, Kyle Chalmers, Shayna Jack and Meg Harris claimed victory after they posted a Games record with a time of 3:19.36.
While the swimmers secured five gold medals in the water, the Australian women’s artistic gymnastics team delivered their own golden moment in the arena, holding on for a thrilling victory in the team all-around.
Georgia Godwin, Breanna Scott, Kate McDonald, Ruby Pass and Emily Whitehead were able to best their bridesmaid position four years ago in Birmingham to take gold in Glasgow.
The Australian team wait for the results of gold. Getty Images
It was a profoundly emotional victory for the entire team, particularly for 28-year-old Godwin.
After a heartbreaking injury forced her to watch the Paris Olympics from home, Godwin was overcome with emotion following her flawless floor routine, revealing that the girls she competes alongside were the reason she fought her way back to the sport.
