Team England's Jessica Taylor has expressed her delight at having clinched a surprise bronze medal in the heptathlon at the Commonwealth Games this evening.
Taylor never dropped below fourth in the overall standings at Hampden Park as she joined Canadian duo Brianne Theisen-Eaton and Jessica Zelinka on the podium following the 800m.
The 26-year-old began the year not expecting to even making it to Glasgow, but could not hide her delight when talking to Sports Mole following her shock success.
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What a rise this has been, from not even expecting to be here to winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games...
"I know! I put 444 points on my PB just to get the qualifying standard so to even make it here I was dead chuffed, and then to be in the running for the medal and then to finally get the bronze was incredible. I saw my mum and dad in the crowd and pretty much burst out crying!"
What were you thinking during it? You quickly became a crowd favourite, and it must have been quite surreal to be right up there in the mix?
"Well, I think my coach Mike Holmes keeps me pretty grounded so it's event by event, don't get too complacent, nothing is done until the 800m is over. That's why I went to the floor afterwards - I saw the time, I was like 'I've done it, I can lie down now!'"
You seemed to really enjoy yourself as well, I don't think I saw you without a big grin plastered across your face...
"That's the thing - I was here to do my best and focus on each event but I've never been to a major championship before and I just wanted to take it all in and enjoy the crowd."
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With three PBs over the two days there are obviously a lot of memorable moments for you. What would you say was the highlight?
"Well, apart of being stood on the podium, it's got to be running round with the flag and signing autographs and having selfies with everyone. That was just incredible.
"Maybe the crowd on the high jump, because the high jump was ridiculous. Nine centimetres on my PB! I can't believe I ever jumped that high!"
This must make you very optimistic for what the future holds?
"Oh yeah, definitely. I mean I'll have to go back and talk to Mike and see what our next aims are, but I'm just so happy!"
Taylor finished the event with 5,826 points to her name, smashing her previous personal best.
