By Andy Schooler, Sportinglife.com, Edmonton

Gold is not an unusual source in these parts of Alberta – black gold that is.

The oil industry is responsible for a large part of the Edmonton economy and a drive around can result in you seeing a variety of pumping devices in people’s back gardens!

Unfortunately for the home owners, they have to buy the mineral rights separately if they want to reap the financial benefits.

As for the gold of the variety that hangs around Jonathan Edwards’ neck, it has been estimated that these championships are worth more than CAN $300million to the city’s economy.

**********

American hurdling legend Ed Moses caused a storm here when he failed to show for a special event entitled the Legends of Gold.

A host of former Olympic and World champions attended the dinner which looks set to be an event held alongside future championships.

A local businessman had paid CAN $7,500 for Moses to sit at his group’s table, but it was a case of Britain to the rescue as another 400m hurdles great David Hemery stepped in.

**********

The worst hairstyle of the week has to go to Tatyana Lebedeva of Russia whose braided barnet was red and black when she took part in the women’s triple jump today.

And while we’re on awards, the easiest job of the week must be that of the man who ‘drove’ the remote controlled car which delivered the discuses back to the throwing circle from the field. I say next time get him to run up and down himself.

**********

The Canadians are getting desperate for a medal here.

So desperate that they wheeled out a pre-war medallist at the Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday.

‘Rapid’ Ray Lewis was part of the country’s relay team at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Needless to say at 91 he’s not really living up to his nickname.