The coach of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games swimming squad has praised his team’s performances in Glasgow, after 38 personal bests were achieved and eight Manx records were broken in the first four days of competition.
Lee Holland told Manx radio that the showing had been “very exciting.”
“The first four days have been amazing,” he said.
“We’ve done way more statistically, than we would normally expect.”
Among the standout performances have been those of the squad’s debutants, including 14-year-old Oscar Maddrell, who finished third in his men’s 800m freestyle heat.
Holland said the experience gained by the younger swimmers would leave them with even more to show when they returned to a Games in four years’ time.
He also praised the travelling Manx fanbase, saying interest in the team had extended beyond the Island’s own supporters.
“I’ve had five different coaches ask me whether you can get a Super Manx T-shirt,” he said.
“The support has been amazing. When a Manx athlete comes out, it’s nearly the same as the home nations guys. The roof comes off.”
High jump record holder Regan Corrin narrowly missed out on progressing further in the athletics final, failing to clear 2.10m on any of his three attempts after clearing 1.90m, 2.00m and 2.05m.
In lawn bowls, Mark McGreal’s hopes of reaching the Men’s Singles semi-finals ended after a tie-break defeat to Jason Greenslade of Guernsey, having needed victory to keep a slim qualification chance alive.
Team Isle of Man’s campaign continues, with 800m Manx record holder Jack Kinrade due in the Men’s 800m heats, and Ollie Lockley and David Mullarkey set to contest the Men’s 10000m final later.
In the pool earlier, Harry Robinson finished fourth (24.93s) and Peter Allen eighth (25.15s) in the men’s 50m butterfly heat, while Joel Watterson (the Manx record holder in the event) clocked 24.37 seconds in his heat.
A bowls tie between Caroline Whitehead and Malaysia’s Emma Firyana Saroji, was set to take place at the Scottish Events Campus at 17:50 BST.
Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
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