Rotherham pole vaulter Adam Hague reflects on 'amazing' silver medal at Commonweath Games

The Rotherham athlete missed out on a medal on countback at the Gold Coast 2018 and has been left to stew on that since with major championship opportunities limited.

Adam, from Kimberworth, got the job done on his return to the big stage with a 5.55m clearance at the third attempt, earning him a silver medal in Birmingham.

He said: "This feels amazing. I can't believe it.

"I expected to come here and do my best and hopefully get a medal, but I thought silver was maybe out of my reach but now I've got it I can't believe it. I'm so happy.

"Last Commonwealth Games I got fourth and that one hurt.

"That one hurt a lot so to come here and jump better than back then and get two places better it means everything to me, it really does.

"This Championships was incredible. I can't describe it."

City of Sheffield & Dearne AC athlete Hague, watched by long-time coach Trevor Fox, failed at his opening height of 5.25m but got over at the second attempt and was then perfect at 5.35 and 5.45 to climb into gold medal position.

Australia's Kurtis Marschall overtook Hague but matched the season's best 5.55 that he cleared in Manchester in June to beat Olympian team-mate Harry Coppell to second step.

Hague said: "Kurt's a very good vaulter, so I expected it but at the time I thought, 'I'm in the lead' — it was special.

"But then Kurt kept pushing on. He's a great athlete, I have so much respect for him.

"I made a rough start because my poles were so soft. I didn't expect the crowd to be with us every step of the way.

"The series was good. I put some good jumps together. I was a bit tired at 5.65m but I still gave it everything I could. At the end of the day, I'm so happy with silver.

"It was such a good competition overall. I'm very lucky to be a part of it."

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