Men's 400 metres victory, 2006

John Steffensen won the race and won over the crowd, according to this Nine Network news report from the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Steffensen was ranked 17th in the world and 9th in the Commonwealth as he lined up for the 400 metres men's final against a world-class field. He had run a personal best at the national championships a month prior to the Games and was faster again in the semi-final. But he needed to beat his own time once more in the final if he stood any chance of a podium finish.

Fortunately for Steffensen he hit top form at just the right moment. In front of a packed stadium, he pulled away from the other runners to cross the finish line in under 45 seconds, achieving a personal best. He won another gold medal for Australia in the Men's 4 x 400 metre relay team.

Always a character, Steffensen celebrated his win in customary eccentric style and the camera does well to keep up with his unqiue victory dance. Australian television broadcasters excel at sports coverage and this is a good example. In 90 seconds it efficiently and effectively covers Steffensen's journey to a gold medal and presents it to the viewing audience.

In the track-side interview Steffensen shows a more reflective side to his otherwise extroverted behaviour. It is a lovely addition to the story, as is seeing the reaction of fans outside of the stadium and that of his father at the track and his sister at home. The segment is so well conceived and edited it's hard not to become caught up in Steffensen's achievement.