By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

Commonwealth Games triathlon gold medalist Simon Whitfield revealed that a quote from Muhammad Ali inspired him to glory.

The Canadian followed up compatriot Carol Montgomery's success in the women's event to finish ahead of Australian Miles Stewart and New Zealander Hamish Carter with a time of one hour 51:57 minutes.

Whitfield said: "I had a Muhammad Ali quote in my head that my girlfriend gave me that says 'the work is done long before I dance in the light'. I kept saying that to myself on the way in."

The Olympic champion looked out of the running for the gold medal after the cycling stage, but he somehow produced a remarkable run to overtake early leader Chris McCormack and claim top spot on the winners' rostrum.

"I said all along that Chris McCormack would dictate this race," added Whitfield. "I knew he'd break away on the bike.

"There's not a lot you can do. He kept going and going - when you have got team-mates like the Australians it makes it really hard.

"We were limited to just two athletes in this race by circumstances but then all of a sudden it was down to me and McCormack."

The Australian fell away to leave compatriot Stewart and New Zealander Carter to take silver and bronze respectively with England's Simon Lessing finishing fourth.

Lessing was happy with his performance despite missing out on bronze.

Lessing, who finished in 1:52.46, put a brave face on missing out on a medal.

"You always want a medal and strive for that," said Lessing. "But you can't be too downhearted.

"These lads are incredibly tough and you know you are going to have to produce something special to beat them.

"When I opened up a margin in the cycling I felt that I could be in for a medal, but, in the back of your mind you know that people like Simon are fast on their feet.

"I tried to keep going, but I felt a bit tired and just couldn't make up the margin.

"But I am still quite happy with the way it went and hopefully I continue to improve.

"I was the fastest Englishman and now I hope to build on that and get even quicker."