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Commonwealth Games: Eleanor Patterson settles for silver in high jump final

John SalvadoAAP
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Eleanor Patterson of Team Australia looks on during the Women's High Jump Final on day nine of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on August 06, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Camera IconBIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Eleanor Patterson of Team Australia looks on during the Women's High Jump Final on day nine of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on August 06, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images

Red-hot favourite Eleanor Patterson has had to settle for a shock silver in the women’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games.

A fortnight after winning the world title in Eugene in thrilling style, Patterson was widely expected to claim a second Commonwealth title in Birmingham.

The odds of a Patterson triumph shortened even further when fellow Australian and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers withdrew on the eve of the final after tearing a calf muscle in the qualifying round.

But no one reckoned on Lamara Distin.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Eleanor Patterson of Team Australia competes during the Women's High Jump Final on day nine of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on August 06, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Camera IconBIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Eleanor Patterson of Team Australia competes during the Women's High Jump Final on day nine of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on August 06, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images

The Jamaican blew the competition wide open with a first-round clearance at 1.95m.

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Patterson was unable to respond, missing three times at 1.95m - seven centimetres less than her Australian record-equalling effort in Eugene.

The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback from another Jamaican, Kimberley Williamson, at 1.92m.

With the gold medal already in her keeping, the 22-year-old Distin had three unsuccessful attempts at what would have been a Jamaican record of 1.98m.

The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback from another Jamaican, Kimberley Williamson, at 1.92m.

“I am just really frustrated and disappointed,” said Patterson.

“I didn’t really show what I can do at all.

“I was not jumping how I can and how I usually do and so it is just really frustating.”

Patterson acknowledged their may have been a comedown from the remarkable high of world championships gold.

“I have just got to go to the whiteboard and think about it all and take it in, but maybe a little bit,” she said.

“Maybe I need to adjust to that expectation and title that is attached to my name.

“I honestly think there are no excuses at the end of the day.

“No matter what, I am world champion but who cares, I have still got to come out and perform every time.”

Patterson will now turn her attention to the remainder of the Diamond League season.

With the gold medal already in her keeping on Saturday, the 22-year-old Distin had three unsuccessful attempts at what would have been a Jamaican record of 1.98m.

Distin had finished ninth in the world championships final won by Patterson.

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