WHEN we look back at Glasgow 2026, I think this morning’s session in the decathlon will be remembered as one of Evan Campbell’s defining moments.
After putting himself in strong stead on the opening day, with a group-topping Season’s Best 2m High Jump headlining the start to his campaign, Campbell found himself facing adversity early this morning.
Kicking off with the 110m hurdles, hearts were pounding and hands were on our heads, as Campbell fell at the first hurdle before rolling underneath the second, resulting in a disqualification and no score for the event.
Watching on was incredibly tough, as Campbell couldn’t help but pour out his frustration on the track, letting out a thunderous cry before holding his head in his hands at the finish line.
What ensued was a frantic scramble for answers in the media camp – was this is Games over? We were just left with questions.
When we got the message from Jason Fox that he was all good to continue, that just prompted a huge wave of relief. After all the years of hard work, dedication and discipline which have led him to this moment, what a shame it would’ve been to see him bow out like that.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
That’s a quote I recently came across from Winston Churchill, which for me, has perfectly summed up the day for Campbell. These difficult times are the moments people show the world who they really are, and Campbell proved to us his resilience, his heart and immeasurable character.
I have to say, when I saw Campbell return to the field for the discus, I couldn’t help but admire the athlete – just imagine how difficult it would have been to lace up and go again after that setback?
That spirit was on full show, as the Caesarean hit back to score a Season’s Best discus throw of 41.31 metres, before then achieving a solid 4.10-metre pole vault.
Campbell may not have shown his best performance this morning, but one thing is abundantly clear – this is an athlete that can’t be broken.
Watching him make a comeback after such a devastating blow was nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder. Now, I can’t wait to see how he’ll cap off his debut at the Games, with the javelin at 7pm commencing his evening session later today.
