Jackson: McColgan's stunning Commonwealth triumph can catapult her career to the next level

Colin Jackson believes Eilish McColgan's epic 10,000m Commonwealth triumph will be a career 'turning point' for the experienced Scottish runner. McColgan followed in her mum Liz's decorated footsteps on Wednesday night by producing a rousing sprint finish to secure a memorable victory in Birmingham — the first major title of her career. Ad/> Roared on by an ear-splitting Alexandra Stadium, the 31-year-old pipped Kenya's Irine Cheptai on the home straight to win gold and emulate her mother, who had claimed Commonwealth Games 10,000m in 1986 and 1990.

AthleticsClarke-Khan on why returning to Alexander Stadium was 'unbelievable' at Commonwealth Games19 HOURS AGO And former Welsh hurdler Jackson, who is also a two time Commonwealth champion as well as an Olympic silver medallist, insists McColgan's dramatic victory can function as a watershed moment. He said: «Steve Cram looked at me after the medal ceremony and said, 'are you alright?' »I had this massive smile on my face because she epitomises what it's all about. «Yes, she had a chance to come here and win.

Yes, she's running so well, but she raced well yesterday as well and I think that's truly a turning point in her career. »Now she stands on her own two feet, in her own right as a successful Scottish athlete. She should be really proud of that.

«It was one of those really lovely moments. And it is an English Commonwealth Games, for sure, but it's a home one for all the home nations because the support was literally identical.» McColgan's only previous major outdoor medal was a European 5,000m silver from 2018. The season has now seen the Scottish star run 5,000m, 10,000m and half-marathon personal bests and now be crowned a Commonwealth champion.