Emma Finucane in disbelief after historic third gold for Wales at 2026 Commonwealth Games - 'Slowest I've been on a bike'
Published 01/08/2026 at 20:30 GMT+1
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Emma Finucane claimed she was surprised to win gold in the 1000m time trial, claiming it was "probably the slowest I've ever been on a bike." The 23-year-old finished first with a time of one minute and 5.285 seconds.
Finucane sets new record to seal hat-trick of golds at Commonwealth Games
Video credit: TNT Sports
It was her third gold medal at the 2026 Games for Finucane, who became the first Welsh woman to achieve that feat.
But she revealed after the race that she did not expect another victory as she headed into the last stretch of her ride.
Asked about the last lap on TNT Sports, Finucane said: "I was just thinking of getting into a ball and getting through the line. The last quarter is so slow. I couldn't believe that time won it.
"In the moment I was like 'I'm crawling round here'. That's probably the slowest I've ever been on a bike.
"Your mind travels to some dark places. I just can't believe I've won it. I was just coming here for vibes and I've won it."
This was a Commonwealth Games debut for the kilo and Finucane acknowledged the challenges it presented.
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‘No way I’m winning this kilo’ – Finacune in shock after claiming hat-trick of golds
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Honestly, anyone who ever does the kilo, fair play. I understood the pain and people say it's the hardest thing you'll ever do. It is the hardest thing you'll ever do.
"A lap in I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I've got three laps to go.' I was telling myself: 'Push, just keep pushing!' You have so much time to think, I was talking to myself.
"When you finish it's such a relief. I don't know how I've done it but I've done it."
It was the latest success for Finucane in Glasgow after her wins in the team sprint and individual sprint.
"I just have no words, I don't really know what's happening to be honest," she added. "I'm really enjoying this Games, I've absolutely loved performing in front of this home crowd in my home colours. I've made memories to last a lifetime.
"Roll on the last day tomorrow. We'll do the same again, enjoy it and see what we can do."
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Wales have now won eight gold medals at the Games and 30 medals in total, sitting an impressive seventh in the table.
Asked what has made the camp so special this year, Finucane said: "I didn't know what to expect, I was really nervous going into a new group of riders. We've enjoyed every moment.
"What's made a difference is that we feel like one team out there, we really back each other. Watching Anna [Morris] and Jess [Roberts] get one-two [in the women's 25km points race], I was on my feet. It was phenomenal.
"We support each other, we have so much passion in Wales. You should've seen our bus ride to the airport, we were singing the anthem, all sorts of Welsh hymns, and that's what it's about.
"I think I really found my reason for coming to these Games. We're Team Wales and I owe it to them because I would not be able to do what I do without them.
"We say the saying 'We turn butterflies into dragons', so that's what I've done today."
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