JOHN Swinney has presented runner Josh Kerr with his gold medal after he stormed to victory in the Commonwealth Games mile race at Scotstoun stadium in Glasgow.
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.
A raucous home crowd roared with delight as Kerr took the lead in the final lap and crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of his rivals.
The 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 on the podium, before a smiling Swinney placed the gold medal around his neck.
This was followed by a hearty rendition of Flower Of Scotland.
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.
Swinney described Scotland’s performance in the Games as “truly historic and inspiring”.
“We’ve enjoyed some truly historic performances from Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games – in swimming, bowls, athletics to name a few,” he said.
“Whether or not they took home a medal, the men and women competing at the highest level have demonstrated a strength and resilience to inspire all of us.
“I hope that the Glasgow Games will encourage future generations to continue and build on this legacy of sporting greatness.”
The 11-day sporting extravaganza will come to an end on Sunday evening with a closing ceremony at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow.
