BASINGSTOKE and Mid Hants AC athlete Ben Pattison has won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham after finishing third in the 800m final.

The athlete from Hook clocked 1:48.25 to finish behind Kenya’s Wyclife Kinyamal (1:47.52) and Australia’s Peter Bol (1:47.66).

Although he couldn’t match his time in the Heats (1:48.00), Ben managed to finish ahead of fellow English runners Jamie Webb, who finished fourth with a time of 1:48.60.

Ben was second from behind around the 600m mark. But the 20-year-old did a scintilating final push to pull ahead of three athletes and finish in third position.

After the performance, Ben told BBC that he wasn’t happy with his performance, but happy with the medal.

READ MORE: Hook athlete to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games

“I executed my run poorly,” he said.

“But I think that shows the shape I’m in – the fact I've done that and still got the medal. So overall I'm very happy with that and the crowd was amazing.

“Normally if I was in that position, my head would have dropped and thought race is gone. But the crowd just spurred me on the last 200m and then I came down straight and thought how many places I can get back.”

Ben added that the race was a lot closer that he expected.

“I thought the Kenyan might take out – he is a 1:43 guy. But it wasn't like that at all. And that's the beauty of 800m running. You never know how it's gonna go.

“I knew if they are a bit slower and I was there in the last 200m I'll be in for a shout. I just got bullied to the back. I don't know how it happened, but I actually stayed calm and get round. So happy with that.”

Ben has been in great form in the past few months.

He booked his place in the Commonwealth Games after reaching national second rank this season following a run of 1:45.16 at the Sollentuna Grand Prix in Sweden.

Ben said that run and now the Games bronze is a major step forward for his career.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke's Pattison qualifies for 800m final

“I've just grown in confidence. I got Europeans next week, so hopefully gonna go there and try to get another medal. It's gonna be tough. Hopefully the legs will recover. It wasn't too fast of a race. So I think I'll be alright. But, all eyes on that now.”

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