Emily Newnham wins Commonwealth silver ahead of European Championships
High Barnet athlete sets personal best in Glasgow before competing in Birmingham next week
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High Barnet sprinter Emily Newnham secured a silver medal in the women’s 400m final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 22-year-old, representing England, finished with a personal best time of 50.04 seconds. Jamaica’s Sanique Walker won gold in 54.00 seconds, while Canada’s Savannah Sutherland took bronze with 54.16 seconds.
Newnham’s performance marks the first English medal in the Commonwealth Games women’s 400m since Natasha Danvers, also of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, won silver in Melbourne in 2006. Newnham reflected on her achievement in an interview with the England Commonwealth Games official YouTube channel.
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“I left a little bit too much on the last hurdle but I’m just happy to be on the podium. Going into the race I just really wanted to medal and at 22-year-old I can’t ask for much more.”
Emily Newnham, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers athlete
Newnham will compete in the European Athletics Championships, which begin on 10 August at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. The women’s 400m hurdles event starts on the opening day, with live coverage on the BBC. She expressed optimism about her prospects following her Commonwealth success.
“Hopefully it puts me in good stead for the Europeans and gives me a bit of confidence. I’m super excited for those. I just need to keep creating opportunities for myself and hopefully gold will come soon.”
Emily Newnham
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Clubmate Jack takes high jump bronze
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers athlete Kimani Jack also medalled at the Commonwealth Games, winning bronze in the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.20 metres. Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford took gold with 2.25 metres, while India’s Sarvesh Kushare secured silver with the same height.
Jack, 22, described the experience as positive, despite his initial aim of winning gold. He will join Newnham at the European Championships in Birmingham next week. The event runs from 10 to 16 August.
“Commonwealth bronze medal sounds really good. I wanted to win, I always want to be the best but I can still be happy with a bronze. I really loved it out there and it was a great experience.”
Kimani Jack, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers athlete
What happens next
Newnham and Jack will both compete at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The women’s 400m hurdles heats begin on 10 August, with the final scheduled for 12 August. The men’s high jump qualification is set for 13 August, followed by the final on 15 August.
Coverage of the championships will be available on the BBC, with events streamed live and broadcast on television. Residents can follow the progress of both athletes as they represent England and their club.
Questions this report answers
+What was Emily Newnham’s time in the Commonwealth Games 400m final?
Emily Newnham ran the 400m in 50.04 seconds, a personal best, securing silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This performance places her among the top sprinters heading into the European Championships in Birmingham.
+When does the European Athletics Championships start?
The European Athletics Championships begin on 10 August 2026 at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. The women’s 400m hurdles event starts on the first day, with live coverage available on the BBC.
+Which events will Emily Newnham and Kimani Jack compete in at the Europeans?
Emily Newnham will compete in the women’s 400m hurdles, with heats on 10 August. Kimani Jack will take part in the men’s high jump, with qualification on 13 August. Both athletes are representing England.
+How can residents watch the European Athletics Championships?
The European Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on the BBC, including television and streaming platforms. Events involving Barnet athletes Emily Newnham and Kimani Jack will be covered from 10 August.
Barnet Press News Desk
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