Squash player Paul Coll and high jumper Hamish Kerr felt different forms of pressure going into their events at the Commonwealth Games, but both responded to win gold medals.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Coll says he felt the expectation of winning and so is delighted to have won gold in the men's singles in Birmingham.
The world number two was favourite entering the tournament and was desperate to go one better after claiming the bronze medal on the Gold Coast four years ago.
He had a titanic battle on his hands in the final against Joel Makin winning 3-2 in a 95 minute battle.
The Welshman easily won the first set 11-3 and was up 2 sets to 1 before the New Zealander fought back to take the next two 11-8, 11-7.
"It was a massive battle and I was struggling to concentrate, I was getting a bit lost out there sometimes, but I'm just proud of the way I turned it on in the fourth and the fifth when it really counted.
"I ecstatic, I'm over the moon, I'm hurting but I couldn't be happier."
Coll was expecting it to be a tight battle when he was asked how long he thought it would go.
"I reckon a minimum of 80 minutes, I was prepared for that for a hundred minute match.
"That's what I'm proud of, finding a way to win."
Coll now turns his attention to the doubles.
"My jobs not done, I'm not celebrating until the end of the tournament.
"I'm definitely going to enjoy this gold around my neck tonight, but I've got another job to do and me and Joelle (King) will be out there tomorrow fighting for everything.
Hamish Kerr Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hamish Kerr was stunned after his high jump success.
The world indoor bronze medal failed to make the World Championship final in Oregon last month but did feel he'd be better with another couple of weeks training under his belt.
"I knew I had some good form in my legs and I was able to get a few first attempts and get into the swing of things and the rest is history.
Kerr and Australian Brandon Starc both cleared 2.25m but were unable to clear 2.28m and the New Zealander knew that if Starc failed on his last attempt then he'd be crowned champion on a count back.
"You never know with Starc, he's a prolific third attempter, so me and my coach were going through the process incase I had to clear another height.
Kerr is the first New Zealand man to win a high jump medal at the Commonwealth Games.
"The Commonwealth Games holds something special in New Zealanders hearts... I didn't grow up watching the world champs, I watched the Commonwealth Games so to come here and produce this result is unreal.
"I love competing, I love the pressure of having to get a good jump in and having the crowd behind you... I've done if before."
Kerr will compete in the Diamond League meeting in Monaco next week.
