Delhi2010 – Hooker Defends Commonwealth Title in Delhi

Western Australian Institute of Sport pole vaulter Steve Hooker has defended his Commonwealth Games title over night defeating England’s Steve Lewis in Delhi.

Hooker – who nominated 5.50m as his starting height – had to wait for over an hour as the field began at 4.80m, and by the time the Olympic and World champion graced the runway, only Lewis and fellow Englishman Max Eaves remained.

Hooker cleared 5.50m with ease, whilst Eaves failed, leaving a straight dual between the two friends and training partners. Hooker again soared over at 5.60m, whilst Lewis required a third time clearance to keep the competition alive.

Lewis was unable to clear 5.70m handing the gold medal to the Western Australian on countback, who missed one attempt at the same height before setting the bar up to 5.81m for a crack at his own Commonwealth record, which stands at 5.80m, the height he cleared for gold in Melbourne in 2006.

As anticipation built, Hooker relinquished, pulling out of the jump after experiencing knee soreness, and with the gold in his keeping he waved to the crowd to signify he was happy with the win.

“I said I came here to win gold and whatever the height would be I’d be happy if I achieved that, so I’m happy,” Hooker said.

“I had three big events this season, probably four – world indoors, Continental Cup and Commonwealth Games, probably Diamond League is the one where I didn’t achieve what I wanted to.

“In part that’s probably because I was always throughout the season having this competition in my mind, always thinking about doing enough training in between those competitions to really set myself up so I could still come here and compete.

“In the end it probably did cost me a few good performances and a bit of consistency in the middle of the season but being here tonight in front of this crowd and getting this result, I feel like it’s all worthwhile.”

Also in action in last night’s track and field program were 400m runners Ben Offereins and Jody Henry – who competed in the heats of the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays respectively.

Both the Australian men’s and women’s teams qualified for tonight’s finals, and if they’re anything like the heats, they will be well worth watching.