Viewers and pundits are questioning whether the Scotstoun Stadium is fit to host the athletics events at the Commonwealth Games after torrential rain caused havoc for competitors, officials and fans on Tuesday night. And many are wondering why some events were postponed but others weren’t.
Eleanor Patterson won gold in the women’s high jump – Australia’s ninth gold on day five in Glasgow and 35th overall at the Games. But it came after the event was postponed due to wild weather.
Athletes had to huddle under tiny umbrellas before Eleanor Patterson won gold in the high jump. Image: Getty/Sony
The athletics stadium in the West End of Glasgow was hammered by driving wind and rain on Tuesday night, forcing athletes and spectators to try and find shelter. But as many pointed out on social media, there wasn’t much cover at all due to a lack of roofing or shelter.
The high jumpers had to try and huddle under make-shift umbrellas during the delay, while the majority of spectators were left out in the elements due to a lack of cover in the stadium. Officials also had to brave the rain and wind, with many standing around without much protection at all.
High jump competitors shelter from the rain at the Scotstoun Stadium. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)
Officials clear rain water off the track as athletes compete in the men’s 10,000m final. Image: Getty
Comm Games viewers blast athletics ‘shambles’
One person wrote online: “All the media photographers and reporters are tucked up and sheltered nicely under their gazebo’s while the women heptathletes have to stand and share umbrellas in the driving rain. This stadium is a shambles to be holding such a big event.”
Another person wrote: “Who builds a stadium in Scotland with no roof?” While a third added: “How are they not pausing all the field events here in Glasgow? It is hammering down – and the first two women hammer throwers have thrown into the netting. There is also thunder and lightning. Madness they are still going on.”
Another local viewer said the west and east side of the grandstands used to be covered. by roofs, but they were taken away in recent times. They wrote: “What makes it worse was the majority of the east/west stands were 2nd most expensive ticket price category! There should’ve been covers and so many left! It left a sour taste and irrespective of raincoats, umbrellas or even ponchos it was just not bearable.”
Patterson’s gold was one of two the Aussies won at the athletics on day five, with Ky Robinson completed an unprecedented 10,000m double for Australia after Rose Davies won the women’s event on Monday night. Lachie Kennedy and Torrie Lewis broke national records in the 100m, but had to settle for silver and bronze respectively.
