ALL the anticipation and all the hype came to a head this morning, as Glasgow 2026 finally kicked off their athletics programme – and it certainly didn’t disappoint, with Jamie Oldham’s Island record-breaking 100m sprint a major highlight of the Games so far.
By now, we’ve learnt to never underestimate the booming crowd that these Games are becoming renowned for. With the roars of Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the raucous cheers of the SEC’s bowls rinks, the audience at the Scotstoun Stadium had tough acts to follow – but they were more than up for the task, as the spectators flooded in for their first taste of track and field action.
It’s been a long wait since Thursday’s opening ceremony for Jersey’s track and field stars, but this morning saw the Caesareans finally kick off the Island’s athletics campaign, as Steven Mackay, Jamie Oldham and Zach Saunders stepped up for the Men’s 100m heats.
Glasgow 2026 is a Games full of milestones for Jersey and that’s especially relevant on the track, as the Island’s five-strong athletics squad is the largest ever sent to compete at this pinnacle event.
With history already behind them, who knows how far they could go? Where was the limit? Especially after Jersey’s swimmers overcame the odds to make two finals last night, could the Caesarean speedsters add to the tally and push on?
As we waited for the Caesareans to grace the track, every heat showcased just the immense talent that our Island was up against, with some of the world’s best sprinters repping their nations.
With the likes of Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallist Jeremiah Azu stepping up to compete, the times that were coming out of the heats were nothing short of diabolical: 10.10 seconds, 10.01 seconds – each of these mind-blowing times seemed to be a real punch in the gut to Jersey’s qualification hopes. However, with the Commonwealth Games, you just never know.
First up was Steven Mackay, a man who’s no stranger to grand occasions. With a wealth of experience competing with the world’s best at events such as the UK Championships and the Manchester International, as well as a heap of Island Games medals under his belt, there was no doubt that Mackay was able to perform under the spotlight, as he took to the line in the fourth heat.
However, with injury issues plaguing his 2026 season so far, there were question marks over the 26-year-old star. Lining up as the Island’s 100m record holder, there was no doubt about his ability, but how would his body hold up at this intensity?
In typical Mackay fashion, he was in his element as the camera panned to him on the start line, playing out his trademark ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ to the camera. I decided to follow suit and play along, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be, as I had scissors to his rock – perhaps that little victory was a sign of things to come?
With the atmosphere building, my nerves grew as he readied himself on the blocks. As someone who’s followed his journey since taking the job last year, I know just how much this call-up meant to Mackay, so I couldn’t help but get fully invested into the experience.
Launching himself out of the blocks, it looked good early on, as Mackay launched himself well in the mix with the rapid start.
However, as what’s been the case this season with his hamstring still not 100%, his pace slightly dropped off at the back end of the 100m, seeing him finish with a season’s best (SB) time of 10.68 to cross the line in fifth place.
Straight after his heat, Mackay told the JEP: “I’m feeling alright, I thought I’d run a bit faster but getting out there and putting Jersey on the map was my goal as well, so I’m very proud of that.
“It’s unbelievable – you see these guys on TV every single week and then being lined up against them is literally a dream come true.
“I got out really well and then just dropped off a little bit – it is what it is, I’ve been trying to fix up this hamstring injury the past three-four months, so I can’t complain, it’s a solid run but it’s on to the next one now.”
Jamie Oldham was next up in the fifth heat, bringing big expectations after what’s been a strong season so far. As Mackay eagerly watched on over our shoulders in the media area, a question arose: Was this the passing of the baton? Would the record fall?
As opposed to Mackay’s fan-friendly showmanship in front of the camera, Oldham tends to keep it cool, calm and collected on the start line, showing no sign of being fazed by the world-class field.
With the starter pistol came the roar, as Oldham rocketed off the blocks to make a thunderous start. As the cheers grew, so did the Jerseyman’s pace, as he showcased blistering speed throughout to record a momentous sprint – but, had he done enough?
One thing’s for certain – the support and camaraderie in the Jersey athletics camp is without question, as Mackay cheered on his teammate every step of the way – you couldn’t pry his eyes away from the screen for a second. When Oldham crossed the line in second place, then came the questions and debate – was that it? He looked quick, but only time would tell.
Before we could see the time on screen, an elated Oldham came charging into the mixed zone glowing with pure joy. Unable to hide the emotions, the 20-year-old ran over to Mackay and Jersey’s press representative, Jason Fox, with the words we’d been longing to hear.
“I did it. 10.41 – I did it!”
Instantly upon sharing the news, Oldham was quickly met with a warm embrace from Mackay, as we watched the record being handed over in real time. Despite losing his grasp on the record, it was incredible to see just how happy Mackay was for his teammate, putting into practice his mission and desire to see up-and-coming athletes push further for Jersey on the big stage and exceed his accolades.
“I’m over the moon – I was coming in a bit dodgy and have been a bit sick, so I wasn’t expecting too much but, to come and do it on the big stage, I’m really proud of myself and it means a lot,” said Oldham straight after the race.
“I was quietly confident in the 100m because I PB’d in the 200m, so I thought I’d have a chance to get better – but I never thought I’d PB by that much…the Island record’s the icing on the cake, so over the moon.”
When asked what went behind this record-breaking sprint, Oldham replied: “A lot of work behind the scenes with coaching staff and the sacrifices I’ve made…early mornings, late nights, there’s a lot more behind the scenes people don’t see. So, it does mean a lot to be able to come out here, do that and prove the hard work I’ve put in.”
Zach Saunders was the last to step out in the seventh heat, and that surely was a tough act to follow. Although this isn’t his main event, with the 200m more suited to the New Zealand-based athlete, Saunders was looking to commence his Games on a high.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan for the Caesarean, as he fell short of his PB and SB to cross the line in fifth, with a time of 10.72 seconds.
The sprinter was clearly left slightly deflated, as he quickly glid under the radar to avoid all press after the run.
Although Jersey’s trio of sprinters fell short of qualifying through to the next round, they more than made their presence felt ahead of Wednesday’s 200m heats, which will kick off at 11.32am.
