Taylor Kavanagh chasing personal best in her Commonwealth Games debut

The former national 5km and 10km champion will compete in the women’s 5000m final at Scotstoun Stadium on Wednesday night, where she hopes to produce the best race of her career rather than put herself under pressure for a medal.

Kavanagh heads into the Games in good form after finishing fourth at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km in an impressive performance of 31:28. She was also the highest-placed South African in the top 10.

"If I can run a personal best and make the podium, that would be amazing. But there is no pressure on me to win or even finish on the podium. My goal is to run a fast time and do my best for South Africa," said the Hollywood Athletics Club star.

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The Commonwealth Games have always been a dream for Kavanagh, who grew up watching the event on television.

Now that she is finally part of Team South Africa, she admits she is feeling both excited and nervous.

"For me, the biggest thing is to control my nerves and just be myself on race day. I have trained hard, made a lot of sacrifices, and now the moment I have been working towards is finally here. I believe I am in good shape, and I have the confidence to perform well," she told SABC Sport.

Although athletics is an individual sport, Kavanagh says she would not have reached this stage without the support of the people around her. The self-coached athlete thanked her family, friends and supporters as she prepares for the biggest race of her career.

"I just want to thank everyone for the love and support they have given me. I couldn't have done this without them, and I will give my best for my country at the Games," she said.

Kavanagh has enjoyed an outstanding season, won national, provincial and African titles, while also claimed back-to-back Spar Women's 10km victories in Cape Town and Durban.

Her focus is now fully on Glasgow, which means she will miss the Spar Women's 10km Grand Prix race in Tshwane on 1 August as she competes against some of the world's best middle and long-distance runners.