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Commonwealth Games 2022: Sixth place in the decathlon for Tonbridge’s Harry Kendall

00:00, 06 August 2022

updated: 08:08, 06 August 2022

Tonbridge’s Harry Kendall said riding the wave of an amazing Alexander Stadium crowd meant more than winning a medal after finishing sixth in the decathlon with 7,480 points.

Kendall dislocated his ankle six weeks ago but has made a miraculous recovery to compete across ten disciplines in Birmingham while missing two ligaments.

Tonbridge decathlete Harry Kendall competing in the 110m hurdles Picture: Team England (58478879)
Tonbridge decathlete Harry Kendall competing in the 110m hurdles Picture: Team England (58478879)

He only got out of his moon boot three-and-a-half weeks ago but Kendall managed to set a new personal best of 59.90m in the javelin in an outstanding show of bravery.

“It wasn’t the score I was hoping for but I had the worst possible prep,” said Kendall.

“But I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I was in shape to do a good score and it’s my second best score ever.

“The crowd and the experience have been worth more than a medal to me to be honest. Now I just want to keep coming back and competing with hopefully medals in the future.

Tonbridge decathlete Harry Kendall Picture: Team England (58478876)
Tonbridge decathlete Harry Kendall Picture: Team England (58478876)

“If it wasn’t for the crowd, I don’t think I’d have finished. Mentally it has been the toughest few months of my life.

“Anyone who doesn’t take advantage of the crowd in a home country’s vest is an absolute idiot as that will put ten percent on whatever you are doing.”

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