mar.23.2006
Sherridan Kirk ran his heart out in a brave effort to claim a medal in his first appearance in a Commonwealth Games 800m final.He came close finishing fourth in a time of 1.47.45 .
It maybe no consolation at the moment but 25 year old Kirk can take courage from his exploits at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG).
The Tobagonian was off his personal best(1.45.43) but had bettered his Manchester 2002 performance when he went out at the semi-final stage.Kirk showed that he belongs on the world stage in an event that is not for the fainthearted.His improvement since the Athens Olympic noticeable.
The MCG was rocking as 82000 spectators created a theater of dreams for Australian 400M hurdler Jana Pittman.
The atmosphere was electric for all other events on the night's schedule. The 800m finals preceded the women's 400 m hurdles final.
The 200 m final came after.Jana Pittman did not disappoint winning the gold medal in a games record 53.82.The roar of 82000 sports fans had to be heard words cannot explain.
In the men's 200m final Aaron Armstrong gave it his all but his 20.61 effort saw him finishing fifth.Earlier Armstrong representing T&T for the first time at a Commonwealth Games claimed second (20.59)in the semi-final.
Cleopatra Borel-Brown medal presentation was on the billing a fitting touch by the organizers.By the time the women's shot put event was finished the night before the stadium was near empty.The women shot putters deserved a better audience. 82000 was more like it.
So as the curtain came down on day 8 there was tangible cheer for the Bhp Billition sponsored Melbourne 2006 T&T team.
For Sherridan Kirk and Aaron Armstrong they would have to put aside their personal disappointment and get ready for the relay event tomorrow.