Australia’s Paralympic marathon champion became Commonwealth 1500 metres T34 champion after a characteristically determined display which saw him get the better of Josh Cassidy, the Canadian who beat him to the London Marathon title this year.

"It was a pretty good roll," said Fearnley, whose time was 3min 19.86sec.

"It’s a good day.

"The last few years I was used to people putting the tag on me.

"It’s nice.

"I needed this one.

"I did a lot of 1500s early in my career.

"I like it, because it keeps my arms in form for the marathon."

Fearnley’s arms were working hard as he settled into the slipstream of Cassidy, the early leader.

After passing 800m in 1:50.20, Fearnley took the lead and set out for home, passing 1200m in 2:44.78 and finishing comfortably clear of his compatriot Richard Colman, who took silver in 3:20.90.

Cassidy took bronze in 3:21.14.

"It was a slow track with a slow surface so it was always tough when we got close,” said Cassidy.

"I was sick for three, four days.

"I had some trouble with my chest.”

Colman was far more upbeat about his medal.

"It was an incredible experience,” he said.

"I put everything into it.

"It was good for Australia.”

As for Fearnley, he is already making his plans - for another marathon.

"I am now going to try and switch off," he said.

"After that, I will set my mind on the marathon in New York - I would like to make five straight wins.

"That would be a nice way of finishing the year."

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