David Mullarkey finished seventh in the 1,500m final at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas this morning.

His time of 3 minutes 57.61 seconds was more than 2s faster than he had run before in what was a wonderful performance in tough conditions and difficult circumstances.

The stormy weather conditions at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium caused disruption to Thursday evening’s athletics schedule - at one point the track and infield were cleared for fear of lightning strikes.

Eventually the programme restarted 75 minutes late and, despite all the uncertainty, Mullarkey was able to keep calm and focused.

The 17-year-old Castle Rushen High School student ran a sensible, controlled race and got his reward with a massive personal best despite the extremely hot and muggy conditions which reach 31 degrees.

Speaking afterwards, the Island Games athlete said: ’I just felt really strong and when I went through three laps in 3.20, I knew that it was going to be quick. That’s got to be the fastest last 400m I’ve ever done.’

STEVE PARTINGTON