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Tonbridge’s Harry Kendall said riding the wave of an amazing Alexander Stadium crowd meant more than winning a medal after finishing sixth in the decathlon with 7,480 points.
Kendall dislocated his ankle six weeks ago but has made a miraculous recovery to compete across ten disciplines in Birmingham while missing two ligaments.
He only got out of his moon boot three-and-a-half weeks ago but Kendall managed to set a new personal best of 59.90m in the javelin in an outstanding show of bravery.
“It wasn’t the score I was hoping for but I had the worst possible prep,” said Kendall.
“But I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I was in shape to do a good score and it’s my second best score ever.
“The crowd and the experience have been worth more than a medal to me to be honest. Now I just want to keep coming back and competing with hopefully medals in the future.
“If it wasn’t for the crowd, I don’t think I’d have finished. Mentally it has been the toughest few months of my life.
“Anyone who doesn’t take advantage of the crowd in a home country’s vest is an absolute idiot as that will put ten percent on whatever you are doing.”
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