The united roar was the loudest ever experienced in any major sporting venue in the Midlands – and probably beyond.

It left a feeling in the heart that was unique in anyone’s experience – leaving a proud boast that this may never again be witnessed anywhere in the Commonwealth – ever! It truly was a privilege and an honour to be part of this - the greatest sporting event ever.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have brought out the very best of the West Midlands and attracted more than a million visitors, wowing locals and tourists alike at the biggest sports event to be held in the UK in a decade.

The city and the region has truly embraced Birmingham 2022, whether it’s more than 500,000 West Midlands residents buying tickets – helping to make this the best-attended Commonwealth Games ever in the UK – or the 14,000 volunteers all doing their part to welcome visitors to Birmingham.

The Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee becomes the first organisation to receive the Bronze, Silver and now Gold Deaf-friendly Standard. There have been over 260 gold medals awarded to athletes from over 25 different nations so far at the Games and the Birmingham Games 2022 itself is also joining them in receiving a gold standard of its own.

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in full swing, we take a look back at the final days leading up to the sport, as the Queen’s Baton Relay took centre stage, connecting with communities through the host region of the West Midlands.

The regional tour was made even more significant as it represented the Queen’s Baton returning home, as it was designed and manufactured in an innovative West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology, and science.

Hundreds of thousands may have received a high five from a giant foam Perry hand; a cheery greeting, helpful directions or a photo op from our fantastic fourteen thousand-strong Commonwealth collective.

Marfa Ekimova made history for England by winning their first ever gold medal in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around final at the Commonwealth Games, scoring 112.300 overall.

The 17-year-old led from the start, top-scoring in the hoop and clubs. An exciting final went to the wire with Cyprus' Anna Sokolova chasing Ekimova's score until the final discipline.