#GC2018 Morton defends sprint crown; wins australia's 100th

South Australia's Stephanie Morton gave Australia its 100th gold in Commonwealth Games cycling after winning the women's sprint over New Zealand’s Natasha Hansen, with Sydney's Kaarle McCulloch taking the bronze.

In the afternoon's qualifying, Morton scorched the Anna Meares Velodrome track with a Games Record and personal best 10.524secs to sit atop qualifying.  McCulloch clocked her own career best time in fourth with 10.777secs.

The pair eased their way through to the semi finals which disappointingly for fans saw them pitted against each other for a place in the gold medal final.  There, Morton was too good for her room mate and team mate in straight heats. 
 
In the final, Hansen attempted mind games from behind in both sprints, thrusting and dodging to try to knock Morton off her perch. But Morton was impassable, storming home in the second sprint to defend her Commonwealth title in front of a surging crowd.

YES WE CAN! □□

GOLD FOR AUSTRALIA □

□□ @StephMorton28 goes back to back □ in the Women's Sprint! #Proud #7CommGames #GC2018CyclingTrack pic.twitter.com/HuVl9YI8Zs

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 6, 2018

Steph Morton
 
It took me by complete surprise when I beat Anna Meares in Glasgow (individual sprint at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games) - and now to be in the Anna Meares Velodrome is very special
 
After Glasgow, I came into the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with expectations, and reminisced on what it means to win a gold medal - it's been very special.
 
It is an honour to receive the 100th gold medal for Australia in cycling. This is testament to the great Australian cycling program.​

□□ @StephMorton28 has won Australia's 100th Commonwealth Games cycling medal. @SamJaneLane caught up with the #GC20018 champion.#7CommGames pic.twitter.com/p7trbQq1CO

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 6, 2018

Bronze - McCulloch

Battle for Bronze is ours! □

Congratulations □□ @kaarlemcculloch!

Now can we have 2 Aussies on the podium?#7CommGames #GC2018CyclingTrack pic.twitter.com/GtWV1MU4W0

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 6, 2018

□□ @kaarlemcculloch takes race 1 in the battle for Bronze!#7CommGames #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/OTkamqCtJs

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 6, 2018