JON Wild offered no excuses after his first appearance in a major Games ended in major disappointment.

The Stockport born long distance runner came 15th of the 19 finishers in the 10,000 metres final that ended in a blanket finish and retirement for a former Commonwealth champion.

"I really wanted to go out and put on a show but I didn't," said the crestfallen Sale Harrier. "My mum and dad were among 25 people or so who came to watch, including friends I made while in America at university.

'Didn't get running'

"But I didn't get into my running. I did have a stitch early on but I should have done better than that.

"The Kenyans are a different class and can change the pace at will. But I honestly thought I could be closer to the Canadians and the Australians. I should be competing at Olympic Games and World Championships. And that's not being arrogant.

"I've got make sure this is a learning experience for me," added the reigning AAA's 5000 metres champion. "If this had been a British Milers Club race in Solihull no one would have noticed how badly I ran.

"But this was the Commonwealth Games before 38,000 spectators," added Wild, whose time of 29 mins 18.17 seconds was way down on his personal best.

Lapped

Indeed, Wild was lapped by many of the front runners including the African aces who monopolized the medals. Kenyan Wilberforce Talel improved Dick Taylor's Commonwealth Games record set 28 years ago in Christchurch as he finished in 27 minutes 45.39 secs.

In a thrilling finish, compatriot Paul Malakwen was just seven hundredths behind while John Yuda from Tanzania brushed past John Korir Cheruiyot to grab the bronze in 27 45.78 seconds. Cheruiyot, who had looked favourite to take gold 50 metres out, collapsed in a heap as he fell over the line.

Rob Denmark, the 1994 Commonwealth 5000 metres gold medalist, was the top placed English runner in 12th. "I don't want to go through that again," he said before announcing his track career had come to an end."

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