RUNNER Josh Kerr has hailed Scotland’s national anthem, saying that hearing Flower of Scotland after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games mile race felt “just different” to hearing God Save the King when representing Team GB.
The world record holder won the race in three minutes 54.12 seconds, ahead of rising Australian star Cameron Myers, who took silver, while Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot won bronze.
The field also included fellow Scot Jake Wightman, who came in fifth.
The course at the Scotstoun stadium in Glasgow filled with a roar from the crowd as Kerr took the lead in the final lap and crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of his rivals.
Following his sensational win, Kerr was asked by a BBC reporter what was going through his mind when he was presented with his gold medal during an award ceremony with Flower of Scotland playing throughout.
“Just slowing down,” Kerr said.
“We rushed through these moments so quickly, I rushed through London as well, and having a medal ceremony like that just slows you right down.
“You're flashing through all the hard moments and realising that you've come a long way.”
He added: “To be able to have the Flower of Scotland playing versus, you know, GB national anthem, it's just different.
“Not many times in my career I'll ever have that, so I appreciate it.”
Scotland's First Minister presented the athletes with their medals at a ceremony later in the evening.
The crowd let out a cheer when Kerr took his place on the top step of the podium, before a smiling Swinney placed the gold medal around his neck.
A hearty rendition of Flower Of Scotland then followed.
Scotland also enjoyed medal success earlier in the evening, when Melanie Woods clinched her second gold medal of the Games as she raced home in the final of the women’s 400m T54.
The medals bring Team Scotland’s tally for the games to 38.
The 11-day sporting event will come to an end on Sunday evening with a closing ceremony at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow.
