Eliza McCartney wins gold in women's pole vault, Ayris takes bronze

<p>Kiwi pole vaulter Eliza McCartney has won gold at the Commonwealth Games, while Imogen Ayris took the bronze. </p> <p>This is the first time McCartney has taken home a gold on the world stage, saying previously she had only ever won silvers and bronzes at international tournaments.</p> <p>"This is the first time I've won something!" she explained.</p> <p>McCartney's gold was confirmed after Australia's Nina Kennedy failed her third attempt at 4.70 metres. </p> <p>Kennedy needed two attempts to clear the previous height of 4.65m, while McCartney required just one. </p> <p>Unable to clear the 4.70m on her second attempt, Ayris secured the bronze for New Zealand. </p> <p>Reflecting on the competition, McCartney told 1News the win was unexpected and is yet to sink in.</p> <p>"I can't quite register that," she said.</p> <p>“I don’t know what to say, it was a really weird comp. It was hard work. It was cold, it was dark, it was windy."</p> <p>Plagued by injuries, McCartney felt grateful she was able to perform, saying she never takes any jump for granted.</p> <p>“My achilles are manageable today, but in two months maybe they won’t be. I don’t know. So, I’m so present, this jump right now may be my last.</p> <p>“I’m hoping I will look back at those jumps and think ‘I did my best and it paid off.'"</p>