Elise Thorner, hailing from Somerset, created a memorable moment for Team England by winning the silver medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Clocking a personal best time of 9:05.45, the Bridgwater athlete exceeded expectations in what has been a remarkable year for her running career.
Representing Wells City Harriers, Thorner was not initially considered a frontrunner for a podium finish. However, she executed an exceptional race to finish second, only behind Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist. The 25-year-old was overcome with emotion upon receiving her medal, bursting into tears in a heartfelt celebration. Meanwhile, Peruth Chemutai, the fastest woman in the world this year, followed in third place with a time of 9:09.96.
“I wouldn’t have predicted that,” Thorner reflected. “That was exactly how I wanted to race. Luckily, it unfolded just as I had planned, and that’s how I like to compete.”
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In contrast to Thorner’s success, there was disappointment for Ellen Barber of Bruton in the Women’s Heptathlon, as she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth overall.
Jade O’Dowda provided a bright spot for Team England by improving upon her bronze medal from Birmingham, securing silver in the heptathlon with a determined performance on the final day. The Oxford athlete began the day 49 points behind Northern Ireland’s Kate O’Connor, who went on to win gold. Despite the gap, O’Dowda persevered to climb the standings.
Barber entered the final 800m event needing to finish approximately seven seconds ahead of Australian Torri West to claim the bronze. Although she gave a strong effort, Barber fell just short, concluding the competition just outside the medals.