Last night at Birmingham’s Alexandra Stadium, the Commonwealth Games 2022 came to a close. As well as hundreds of medals won, and amazing performances at both ceremonies, Birmingham has breathed life into the games and sport is only the beginning.
The atmosphere around the city centre is something I’ve never seen before. Everyone has come together to support the commonwealth, with the Birmingham games bringing a much needed sense of unity.
Medals won
This was host nation England’s most successful Commonwealth games ever, winning a grand total of 176 medals. England’s previous best medal tally was 174 in Glasgow 2014. Finishing second in the medal table, behind Australia, is an amazing accomplishment for all the athletes involved.
You can take a look at the full list of medals won by everyone in this table here. With 57 gold medals, England were only 10 behind Australia’s 67.
Notable moments
Viewers were left on the edge of their seats on multiple occasions throughout the games, rooting for their country to win. Here are just a few of the best moments we experienced at this years games:
- Adam Peaty winning the 50m breaststroke gold medal – powering to victory in his last outing at the games, the crowd roared when Peaty got gold which was a great end to his commonwealth career.
- Drama at the 800m final – Kenya’s Mary Moraa won the women’s 800 metres in incredible fashion. She was fourth for a whole but in a sudden burst of sprinting she powered forwards into a remarkable win.
- England Hockey wins gold – For the first time ever, the England women’s hockey team won gold. Beating Australia 2-1, it was a joyous moment in the home country.
- The oldest medallist – In an unusual turn of events, Scotland’s George Miller became the Commonwealth Games’ oldest gold medal winner. At 75 years old, team Scotland got gold in Para Mixed Pairs B2/B3 Lawn Bowls.
David Dixon Award
Singapore’s Table Tennis gold medallist Feng Tianwei won the 2022 David Dixon award, presented by Dame Louise Martin, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Dame Louise said, “I am delighted to announce that tonight’s winner is Singapore’s most decorated Commonwealth athlete. At these Games, not only had she had to live up to expectations but also lead. As team captain, she brings experience and stability to younger, up-and-coming athletes. She is highly respected by all her fans and peers.”
She went on to speak of Birmingham, saying that it’s up to us as a city to carry on the legacy of the games.
Closing ceremony
Sad that the games were over, we still had the closing ceremony to look forward to and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
From Musical Youth and ‘Pass the Dutchie’ to a surprise appearance from Ozzy Osbourne, Birmingham once again showcased its diversity and history through performance. UB40, Beverley Knight, Goldie, Jorja Smith and Dexy’s Midnight Runners were among the show stopping musical lineup. It’s easy to forget just how many iconic artists are from the West Midlands.
Among the music, we also had a nod to the TV show that put Birmingham on the map – Peaky Blinders. We saw a sneak preview of the spin-off musical, The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which will premiere in December. With flapper girls, the iconic Garrison Tavern, and of course Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” it wasn’t to be missed and it looks like the stage show won’t be either.
So, as the athletes rest and another year is over, let’s keep up the unity that the games brought to Birmingham, I’ve never been prouder to be a brummie!