Success on day five of competition on the Gold Coast sees athletes set to add to the Loughborough College Commonwealth Games medal tally.
Fifty students and alumni from the College are represented in the England, Wales, Scotland and Isle of Man teams and have already won nine medals between them – including five gold.
England’s Robbie Grabarz and Chris Baker each cleared 2.21m to qualify for the High Jump final.
“I have eyes on the gold of course, everyone in that final will, otherwise why are you here,” said Loughborough College graduate Robbie.
“It’s my first Commonwealth Games, right at the end of my career. I’ve enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to the final.”
“It was a very smooth qualification for me,” said fellow alumnus Chris. “I had no failures so I can’t ask for much more than that. I will take that form into the final; I cannot wait to get out there again and perform to my best.
“I want to win it,” added the former College degree student. “I know I’m good enough to do it, it all depends what happens on the day.”
Unfortunately Tom Gale’s 2.18m meant he didn’t progress and he admitted he was “a little disappointed” with his Commonwealth Games debut: “I went into the competition feeling good. It was a bit embarrassing having to have three attempts at 2.10m and 2.15m but my jumps just weren’t looking very professional today.
“I have a lot of work to do but I’m very young and this is my first Games so I can only learn from it. I’ve enjoyed the experience and will continue to support the team where I can,” said the Loughborough College alumnus.
World number three netball side England – with five Loughborough College alumni on the squad – meanwhile beat Wales 85-31 to maintain their unbeaten record at the 2018 Games and guarantee a place in the netball semi-finals, where they will play New Zealand.
A Commonwealth Games semi final place was also booked by England women’s hockey after they beat Malaysia 3-0. It is the sixth consecutive Games semi-final for the 2014 silver medallists, whose side includes College alumna Suzy Petty.
Loughborough College degree student Sarah Vasey won 50m breaststroke gold at the weekend and former student Molly Renshaw took 200m breaststroke silver on day three - and both reached the 100m breaststroke semi-finals on the Gold Coast. Sarah progressed before coming seventh in today’s final, won by South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker with Canada and Australia taking silver and bronze.
Loughborough College degree student Luke Greenbank reached the 200m backstroke final before coming in 0.39 seconds behind bronze medal winner Josh Beaver in fourth. All three medals were taken by Australia.
Fellow Loughborough College student Harriet West meanwhile came overall tenth in the 50m butterfly semi-finals with a time of 27.17, putting her in reserve position for the final.
Pictured: England netball book their place in the Commonwealth Games 2018 semi finals after winning 85-31 against Wales