Saint Lucia’s most decorated athlete Levern Donaline Spencer brought further world attention to the island with a magnificent performance in an action packed final day of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia capturing the Gold medal in the Women’s high jump .
There was a buzz in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean from dawn on Saturday morning that continued throughout the day as she ended a 56 year wait for the island’s first Commonwealth Gold medal. Saint Lucia first competed in the 1962 Commonwealth Games when Imbert Roberts competed in the shot put and has had representation at all games since the 1994 edition in Victoria, Canada.
Spencer held her form and confidence despite a tense battle with England’s Morgan Lake. The 33 year old had a best jump of 1.95 metres. Lake was forced to settle for the silver with 1.93 metres. The bronze medal went to Australia’s Nicola Mc Dermott for a clearance of 1.91 metres. Spencer had previously won bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi 2010 and Glasgow in 2014 . Pole Vaulter Dominic Johnson also won a Commonwealth Bronze medal for Saint Lucia during the 2002 Games in Manchester , England .
” It’s a really good feeling and I am happy I’m the one making history for my country. I got bronze in the last two Commonwealth Games and was determined to work hard this time to win gold. My results today were good enough,” Spencer told reporters after her performance.
Meanwhile, President of Commonwealth Games Saint Lucia, Fortuna Belrose expressed her organisation’s elation on Spencer’s Gold medal winning performance in Australia.
” it is a success symbol of her longevity and a good reflection for all young people. It highlights her determination and it took time which shows her discipline. It is a great achievement for our country and others in the region that are part of the Commonwealth, ” Belrose added.
Commonwealth Games Association Saint Lucia is proud of Miss Spencer on this impressive performance giving her the distinction of the trifecta of Golds in CAC, Pan American and now Commonwealth Games. The organisation and affiliates wish her the very best as she aims for further glory for herself and the nation with Olympics in Tokyo 2020 within her sight.