TODAY is the final day of competition in the Island Games and Team Isle of Wight have got it off to the perfect start — raising the temperature in Gibraltar with a gold medal from top runner, Charlie Metcalfe.

The Island, with ten gold medals to its name now, also won two silvers and bronze this morning with still plenty to play for.

Ryde Harriers athlete Charlie, of Lake, won the final of the women's half marathon this morning to take gold in a time of 1hr 24mins 15secs — a comfortable 23 seconds clear of her nearest challenger, Jersey's Jessica Troy.

Team Isle of Wight's Laura Brackley came fourth in 1.25.22 to just miss out on bronze.

A strong breeze cooled things down a touch after two baking hot days in the Iberian principality, but it was still a gruelling race for all.

After the race, Charlie, who came fourth in the half marathon in the Island Games in Gotland two years ago, said: "I'm elated. It's amazing. I'm really happy.

"It was a tough race. Thankfully, it wasn't quite as hot as it had been over the past couple of days.

"I was stuck in third in the first little pack that went off and I just tucked in and held on.

"It's strange, because I've done a marathon with a quicker pace than that.

"But because of the tempertaure, I held back and kept telling myself to stay with the front two and to not be silly and stay sensible.

"On the last lap, I thought I could pick it up. The other two didn't seem to be able to, so it felt really good.

"I couldn't believe I was in front."

Charlie also gained team half marathon silver, thanks to the efforts of Laura Brackley and Rosanna Sexton in the race.

Charlie added: "We're all so happy. We're jumping up and down."

Isle of Wight County Press: Andy Whittal, left, and Dom Cowen, who bronze and silver respectively in the 50m prone smallbore rifle event this morning (Friday).Andy Whittal, left, and Dom Cowen, who bronze and silver respectively in the 50m prone smallbore rifle event this morning (Friday).

The shooting team, who have been superb throughout the Island Games in Gibraltar, added another medal to the Team Isle of Wight tally this morning too.

Dom Cowen won a silver medal, and Andy Whital, bronze, in the 50m prone rifle competition.

Team Isle of Wight moved up a place to sixth in the medal table having amassed 29 medals now.