Guernsey Stretches Its Lead At The Island Games

The hosts continue to sit at the top of the medal table with 26 golds, 23 silvers and 21 bronze after a strong third day.

Alastair Chalmers wowed the crowd at Footes Lane with a Games new record and gold in the 400m hurdles.

Soon after his win, the Commonwealth Games medalist was signing autographs for fans.  Island FM understands Footes Lane is drawing up to 4,000 spectators and organisers tell us they have been astonished by the turnouts at all the venues.

Ala Chalmers later tweeted his appreciation for the support:

"You were absolutely unbelievable tonight Guernsey Had to give back down that home straight Electric atmosphere and something we should be very proud of @NWIslandGames "

Tuesday was a strong day for Team Guernsey, and leaden skies and a stiff breeze didn't affect the flow of medals coming in to consolidate the host's position at the top of the leader board.

Brothers Ronnie and Charlie Hallet faced off in the swimming events and both got golds, Charlie in the 50m breast stroke and Ronnie in the 100m breast stroke. Charle says the sibling rivalry is over:

"We've evened it out now. We're just happy to have executed our races as we did, and bring home two, 'one twos' for Guernsey."

There were individual and team golds for Guernsey's female swimmers.

The hosts continue to excel on the shooting range, with four more golds across a number of disciplines.

At the mountain biking, Guernsey took silver in the men's race around the Delancey criterium circuit and team gold.

World bowls star Alison Merrien was part of a victorious indoor bowls open triple team.

Guernsey ladies grab gold in the indoor bowls open triple final after beating the Falkland Islands 🇬🇬🥇 #islandgames pic.twitter.com/bLRNBoZ8ZZ

— Island FM (@islandfm) July 11, 2023

The gold haul was backed up by a brace of silver and bronze medals, leaving Guernsey with 70, 19 more than nearest rivals Jersey.

The chair of the Guernsey Island Games Association, Brian Allen, says every medal that Guernsey has taken tells a story of hard work and dedication:

"We're not walking away with gold, gold, gold. Every single has to be hard fought for. Competition wise, they've got to aim high, and that's what we're seeing."

But Guernsey have lost out on any medal hopes in football, after they were beaten by the Isle of Wight last night (11 July).

Isle of Wight fans celebrate their victory over Guernsey.

Just hours before, the women's team were roundly beaten by the Western Isles 6-0, knocking them out as well.

Team manager Tony Vance saw chances missed for one reason or another:

"The players are fuming because there was a hand ball on a shot, so that should've been a pen, there but we're clutching at straws a little bit there. We nearly scored at the end and I think the place would have erupted. The crowd were magnificent. It's amazing to be here and it's just a shame for them that we didn't get over the line."

The oldest competitor at the Games is 85 year old Paul Richardson, from Alderney, who's taking part in the Indoor Bowls. He's thrilled to be in involved:

"It feels as though I got here because I've done things right in my life, I'm pleased that I've got this far."

You can follow all the action with updates at 8.30am,1.30pm, 5.30pm and 9pm on islandfm.com

Check out our games gallery here.

Day 3 done ✅ and Guernsey still command the Island Games medals table 🥇🥈🥉🇬🇬 #Guernsey2023 pic.twitter.com/ocEMq8N0Du

— Island FM (@islandfm) July 12, 2023