THE SPIRIT

THEY were billed as the Friendly Games and no one could dispute that.

The tone was set on the first day of the Games when 20km race walker Claire Tallent was disqualified in a neck-and-neck tussle for gold with teammate Jemima Montag.

The heart-broken competitor collapsed in tears but quickly brushed aside her own anguish to make her way to the finish line to warmly embrace and congratulate the younger competitor.

Then, during the track and field program, Australia’s three 10,000m runners – Eloise Wellings, Madeline Hills and Celia Sullohern – finished well out of the medals.

But instead of immediately leaving the track they waited for last-placed Lesotho runner Lineo Chaka to finish, some minutes in arrears, and congratulate and embrace the African athlete on a fine effort.

Their gesture was not lost on the huge crowd at Carrara Stadium and the millions of viewers around the world.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES Eloise Wellings, Madeline Hills and Celia Sullohern won the crowd’s appreciation when they made the effort to congratulate last placegetter Lineo Chaka of Lesotho after the 10,000m.

Pictures: GETTY IMAGES

Beki Smith consoles disqualified Claire Tallent as she finishes the women’s 20km race walk (left) before Tallent embraces gold medallist Jemima Montag at the finish line.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES Beaten in a bronze medal, Aussie Cameron McEvoy congratulates English 50m freestyle winner Benjamin Proud.

Concern is shown for Jessica Judd at the end of the 1500m final.