Laura Trott proved she is a force to be reckoned with as she overcame a crippling kidney infection to take gold in the points race at the Commonwealth Games 2014. Just a few days before Trott, who was struggling to eat, had a disappointing start to the Games. Trott failed to win a medal in the women’s scratch race, placing 11th and also suffered early elimination from the individual pursuit.
But it seemed the double Olympic Champion was not going to let illness stand her way and showing impressive form at the 25km points race. Trott was tied with fellow Brit, Elinor Barker on 37 points at the end of the 30 minutes of gruelling sprints. Trott dug deep in every one of the 10 sprints and finishing she wasn’t even aware she had taken gold, instead turning to congratulate Welsh rider Barker.
However, both tied on 37 points, it was the final sprint that proved to be the decider. With Katie Archibald crossing the line first, Trott crossed the line millimetres ahead of Barker, meaning Trott took gold, Barker Silver and Archibald Bronze overall.
Looking at the board to see her name in the top position, Trott was clearly ecstatic as the crowd whooped with delight. Trott said she was over the moon and compared it to her Olympic glory.
“I can’t believe it,” she told BBC Radio 5 live. “I felt so bad at times in that race. I’m not even 100%, I’ve not eaten properly for the last two days and I’ve been living off porridge. I’m not really a porridge fan.
“It’s right up there with the Olympics for me after the disappointment of the last two days. To pull it off at the end was great.”
Also worth a read:
