Looking back: Auckland 1990 Commonwealth Games

This month marks 35 years since the 14th edition of the Commonwealth Games which saw a star-studded line up compete in the New Zealand city

The 14th edition of the Commonwealth Games took place 35 years ago this month, perhaps the time of year that you wouldn’t expect a Commonwealth Games to take place, certainly in Europe, but that was why it was held over in Auckland, New Zealand at the Mount Smart Stadium.

The Games took place from January 24 to February 3 and marked the second time the city hosted the Games, making it only the second city to do so after hosting in 1950. It was also the third time that New Zealand hosted the Games after Christchurch took the responsibility in 1974.

The Games were certainly one to remember as it featured a star-studded squad, with names such as Linford Christie, Colin Jackson, Steve Backley, Liz McColgan and Sally Gunnell – with Team England topping the athletics medal table with 40 medals in total, including 13 golds.

One of the most memorable moments came from Linford Christie, who made history by becoming the only Englishman to win gold in the 100m at all four major competitions: the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

In Auckland, Christie claimed his first Commonwealth title with 9.93 seconds. He followed up his achievement by helping Team England win gold in the men’s 4x100m, alongside John Regis, Marcus Adam, Clarence Callender and Tony Jarrett.

Having already secured a European title in 1986, Christie’s victory in Auckland gave him two out of the four championship crowns. He would go on to add Olympic gold in 1992 and World Championship success in 1993.

Ade Mafe, Marcus Adam & John Regis (Mark Shearman)

The sprinting dominance continued for England, with a clean sweep of the men’s 200m podium. Marcus Adam led the way, claiming the title in a time of 20.10 seconds, followed by teammates John Regis and Ade Mafe.

Beyond the sprints, England celebrated numerous other victories including Eammon Martin’s triumph in the 10,000m, Steve Backley’s javelin gold, Sally Gunnell’s victory in the 400m hurdles and Tessa Sanderson’s javelin win.

Mick Hill & Steve Backley (Mark Shearman)

Team Scotland, too, had a notable presence at the games, walking away with five athletics medals as Liz McColgan claimed two of those medals.

She won the 10,000m with a time of 32:23:56, a victory that her daughter, Eilish, would replicate in…