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Athletics star impresses in front of ‘wild’ crowd in Birmingham

Commonwealth Games debutant Bree Masters wrapped up the individual stage of her campaign with 13th overall in the women's 100m. 

Masters exploded out of the starting blocks at Alexander Stadium in her 100m heat (11.41s) to place second and book her ticket to the semi-final. 

In her semi she finished sixth (11.36s), unfortunately missing out on a spot in the final. 

Her 4x100m relay team qualified for the final and had the bronze medal within reach, only to be pipped on the line by Jamaica who relegated Australia to fourth (43.16s).

The Australian quartet of Ella Connolly, Masters, Jacinta Beecher and Naa Anang secured the country's highest place at a Commonwealth Games in 16 years. 

Speaking after her 100m heat Masters, who recently graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Communication, was elated with her opening race.

“Today I wanted to come out and secure my spot in that semi-final and that’s what I’ve done,” she said. 

“The time isn’t exactly what I was looking for, but hopefully there is more to come.” 

Last month Masters, 27, ran a personal best time at the World Championships in Oregon. 

“It’s been really tough actually, two majors in such a short period of time is hard and the jet leg got me real good! 

“I’ve done my best, the physios on the Australian team have helped me with a few niggles, and hopefully more results will come tomorrow,” she said. 

Only two years ago, Masters was an accomplished beach sprinter before taking the plunge and switching to the track.  

“It’s crazy,” she said.  

“It’s huge being here, the crowd is wild and amazing. It’s definitely a change to beach sprinting but I am absolutely loving it.” 

Masters’ Instagram profile, which has more than 51,000 followers, gained more traction overnight after she was invited to share her handle on Channel 7. 

“It’s at Bree Masters with three e’s, give me a follow,” she said with a laugh. 

In the pool, Bond alumna Jenna Strauch finished sixth in the 100m breaststroke final.  

Fellow Gold Coaster Chelsea Hodges claimed bronze behind South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker, her compatriot Lara van Niekerek won gold.  

In a wonderful show of camaraderie following the race, all eight swimmers formed a group hug in the swimming pool to mark the end of their campaign. 

Flynn Southam narrowly missed out on qualifying for tomorrow morning’s 50m freestyle final.  

Bond medal tally: 

Swimming  

Southam: 2 gold (4x100m relay, 4x200m relay)  

Winnington: 2 gold (400m freestyle, 4x200m relay) 1 bronze (200m freestyle)  

Strauch: 1 silver (200m breaststroke)  

Rugby 7s 

Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Charlotte Caslick: gold 

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