Morton makes a name
CYCLING (TRACK)
ANNA Meares is happy to sit back and watch as Australian cycling’s next sprint star makes a name for herself on the velodrome that bears her name.
But while the retired Meares hopes Stephanie Morton surpasses her record of 11 world titles and two Olympic golds, she says comparing the two is unfair and off the mark.
Morton became the first Australian female to defend a Commonwealth Games sprint crown last night, dominating the event in a promising sign ahead of Tokyo’s Olympics.
It was Australia’s 100th Commonwealth Games cycling gold and the 27-year-old’s second of a possible four at Brisbane’s Anna Meares Velodrome with the retired legend among the 4000 on hand to witness the masterclass.
Kaarle McCulloch took bronze after being knocked out by Morton in the semi- final, having paired with her to win the team sprint on Thursday.
Morton beat Meares four years ago in Glasgow for her first Games title and along with men’s world champion Matthew Glaetzer, who also won gold last night, will lead Australian cycling’s rebuild ahead of Tokyo.
Meares hopes her former teammate eclipses her record which reads 11 world titles and two Olympic golds - but says comparisons between the pair are lazy.
“You should never do that; it’s not fair and I hope Australia gets to know Stephanie for who she is and the independent person she is,” she said.
“She brings wonderful characteristics and differences and she’ll be a leader going forward from what we’ve seen in her performances here and I hope she surpasses me.”
Admitting she had grown used to walking into her own stadium, Meares said it was clear Australian cycling had moved on.
“It’s been quite nostalgic and nice to see Comm Games records fall, world records fall here, because I did that in my time and it’s nice to witness the sport progress forward without me.”
Earlier in the night Rebecca Wiasak fought bravely for silver in a lung-busting 3000m individual pursuit behind Scotland’s Katie Archibald.