There was also something to shout about at the Andorra La Vella Stadium yesterday as Carol Galea won the silver in the 5,000 metres, Darren Gilford took the bronze in the 100m and Lisa Bezzina the bronze in the 800m.

Despite her veteran age, Carol Galea was well in the action till the final lap, when the young Iris Anna Sholdottir sped past her with just 250 metres to go. She helm firm despite a late challenge by Carol to win by around three seconds. She clocked 17:55.39 to Carol Galea’s 17:58.66.

Lisa Bezzina ran a brilliant last 80 metres to overcome Iceland’s Eygerdur Hafthorsdottir in the final 10 metres and snatch a bronze medal which appeared to be just a dream till the first 400 metres.

In fact, after having a good start where she kept her calm and remained grouped with the front runners, Lisa appeared to tire out as the leading trio opened a big gap in front. Cypriot duo Anni Christofidou and Gavriella Sofokleous who went to to claim gold and silver with relative ease.

Lisa came back strongly in those final metres to claim the bronze which gives her hopes for a brighter future.

After the event, an emotional Lisa said she was obviously happy at having won her first ever Games medal. “I am very happy. This result gives me great joy and I now look forward with confidence to my other two events tomorrow and Saturday, the 1,500m and the 10,000m. I dedicate this medal to my husband Christian, my father Joe and coach John Walsh who have all encouraged me towards reaching my goals,” she said.

There was also joy for Darren Gilford who repeated his Malta performance to finish third in the 100m. He had a strong start where he appeared to be leading till the 60 metre mark, but then he was pushed back by a stronger field and had to be content with third place after a photo finish. It was so close that he just missed a silver medal, though he could also have been placed fourth.

Nikolai Portelli, Lara Scerri and Martina Xuereb qualified for the 400 metres final to be held tomorrow.