Island Games: Men's 200m decided with no times

Thursday 13 July 2023

A technical error at the Island Games means that the competitors in the men's 200m race – including a second place Jersey runner – won't know their official times.

The race was staged at Footes Lane last night, with Jersey's Jamie Oldham declared the silver medal winner.

Faroese teenager Jónas Gunnleivsson Isaksen was the clear gold medallist, while Jesy Franco of Gibraltar was awarded bronze.

However, an urgent call went out to all team managers to attend a meeting almost immediately after the race finished.

The women's 200m race went ahead afterwards – with no issues – while the men's team managers were told there had been a technical problem which affected the times of their runners.

Mixed messages came out of that meeting with some islands having wanted the race re-run, while others were happy to accept a photo finish without times.

A statement is expected to be released outlining the formal position, however Express has been told that "there was an error with the gun triggering the timing system".

With thousands of people packing Footes Lane to watch the athletics this week, the "loud atmosphere" within the stadium meant that the usual recall procedure after the gun had sounded, and the runners had set off, did not work.

The athletes completed the race without the gun having triggered the electronic timing system meaning their times weren't captured.

All team managers were said to "unanimously agree" that the result would be accepted without times allocated after their discussion behind closed doors.

Pictured top: Jersey's Jamie Oldham celebrates crossing the finish line in second place.