Dominique Allen delighted with Commonwealth Games 'highlight'
Dominique Allen secured the biggest victory of her career — now she’s starting to dream of a home Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Born and raised in Dudley, the daughter of former Birmingham Bullets legend Clive, has been part of the international set-up for a decade.
But a shock silver on the Gold Coast is now up there with her selection for the Olympic team at London 2012 as her greatest career achievement.
Allen, 28, played a key role as her team produced a shock semi-final win over Canada but could only watch as Australia steamrollered England 99-55 to take gold.
The sport hasn’t been part of the programme since 2006 but the next Games in Birmingham will see the introduction of the super-fast 3-on-3 version.
“This is one of the highlights of my career and I don’t think it will settle in until I get home,” she said.
“The Olympics in your home country were amazing and so special but winning a medal is just incredible.
"I've just loved the experience of sharing this moment with this incredible group of players and friends.
"I hope this gets us some exposure and shows people we can beat the best teams in the world on the biggest stage. We’re on the right track, we just need to keep improving.
“I’m going to go home and keep playing. I can’t wait for the Games in Birmingham, with so many of my friends and family watching. I’d love to be there and be involved, that would be something incredible.”
Bethan Partridge again struggled with injury at her second Commonwealth Games appearance.
The 27-year old high jumper saw her debut in Glasgow falter and again had to navigate troublesome niggles as she finished eighth in the final, jumping 1.84 metres.
Partridge, who finished third at last year’s British Championships, has seen her preparations and indoor season interrupted - but is still looking ahead to the summer season with confidence.
“It’s not exactly where I wanted to be going in to the competition, but I’m happy to come out injury free,” she said.
“Going in with a little niggle was quite hard mentally. But it’s the best I’ve felt throughout the whole indoors and coming out to outdoors. It’s good, but obviously I’m disappointed as well and I can’t hide that.
“I wanted to challenge for a medal, but it just didn’t happen. With my little niggles, I’ve had to tailor training to my injury, so mentally it’s been difficult.”
