Commonwealth Games: Cyclist's gold no surprise to coach

Sam Webster, Ethan Mitchell and Eddie Dawkins. Photo / File

A high school coach who once trained one of the country's newest Commonwealth Games gold medallists says his victory in Glasgow is no surprise.

Ethan Mitchell rode alongside Eddie Dawkins and Sam Webster to take out the 250m sprint gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games yesterday morning.

Aaron Strong coached Mitchell when he attended Sacred Heart College in Auckland and said the youngster always stood out.

"I remember whenever we did sprints he was in his element," Mr Strong said. "It took just a couple of pedal strokes for him to leave everyone behind."

Mr Strong said he was thrilled to see Mitchell on the podium.

The athletes' success was motivational for aspiring sportsmen and women, he said.

"It gives them something to strive for and someone to look up to."

Fellow gold medallist and teammate Sam Webster was always passionate about cycling at school, according to Auckland Central Cycling Club president Richard Justice.

"It was inspirational to see him at a very young age, focused on what he wanted to do," Mr Justice said. "He's worked hard and will continue to reap the benefits."

Tim O'Connor, principal of Webster's former college, Auckland Grammar School, agreed.

"He was an exemplary cyclist while he was still at school.

"We are extremely proud of his achievements."

Mr O'Connor said Webster was not the only Auckland Grammar alumni at the Games - eight other ex-pupils were also taking part.

Mitchell, Webster and Dawkins whizzed around the 250m track at Glasgow's Chris Hoy Velodrome yesterday morning in just 43.181 seconds, a new Games record.

Andy Wood, the principal of Dawkins' former high school, James Hargest College in Invercargill, said the win was "a cause for great celebration" that had sparked excitement among the school's younger cyclists.

"There's always been vibrant and strong support for cycling here in Invercargill.

"We are absolutely over the moon at his achievements."

As of last night, New Zealand athletes had won three medals - one gold and two bronze - putting them third on a population-based medal table with 0.67 medals per million of population, Statistics New Zealand said.

The nation was behind only Scotland and Cyprus, which had 1.88 and 0.89 medals per million people, respectively.

The New Zealand men's cycling pursuit team and Judo star Darcina-Rose Manuel have won bronze.