Commonwealth Games 2022 – Shot Of The Month – August 2022

Ryan Browne, Shutterstock

‘The Commonwealth Games is an event for everyone’ – Denise Lewis 

As Olympic Heptathelete Denise Lewis points out, the Commonwealth Games is a unique event where athletes of different genders, nationalities and abilities can be celebrated. 68 countries participated in this year’s event. Nearly half of these athletes’ were women, and this event was heralded as the largest para-sport programme at a Commonwealth Games to date.  

The event also celebrates a huge variety of sports – a total of 23 sports and a further eight Para-sports made  up this year’s Games.  

Shutterstock had a strong presence throughout the Commonwealth Games, and it was an honour to capture so many winning moments. 

One of the most impressive moments for me was Eilish McColgan’s gold in the 10,000 metres.  

From Dundee in the East of Scotland, McColgan was one of the 13 Scots who won a gold medal. Eilish’s win was an extra special moment for the McColgan family, as not only did Eilish’s mum, Liz McColgan, win that same race herself in 1986, she also trained her daughter for her winning moment.     

The atmosphere of the race was incomparable. Losing her position, McColgan was left chasing Irine Cheptai of Kenya. Yet with sheer grit and determination, McColgan somehow pushed through to first place in the last few seconds.  

Capturing McColgan’s facial expressions was a highlight. Her willpower was so evident on her face as she was catching up to Cheptai,  and I knew we were capturing a special moment. As she crossed the finished line, the tension in her face moved effortlessly to complete disbelief and elation, and I’m proud to have frozen that moment in time for everyone to see.  

Capturing such talented women in such an impressive feat is a true honour and a testament to how the Commonwealth Games is truly ‘for everyone’.