The athletics programme at the 2018 Commonwealth Games officially began on Sunday, but while any mention of the sport immediately conjures up images of Usain Bolt or Mo Farah in the limelight for many, the opening event was the significantly less-glamorous race walk.

It is an event which will never command as many column inches as others in the athletics schedule, but that is not to say it is short on drama.

There was certainly no lack of interest on the Gold Coast this morning when Australian Dane Bird-Smith picked up the opening athletics gold medal of the Games, holding off stiff competition over the 20km course in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Just four seconds later Tom Bosworth crossed the finish line to get England off the mark with a silver medal, banishing the unhappy memories from the World Championships in London last year when he was disqualified while leading the race.

The success was all the more significant considering that Bosworth is one of England's athletics captains, setting the tone for what he hopes will be a medal-laden programme on the Gold Coast.

After the race, Bosworth spoke to Sports Mole about his record-breaking performance, where it ranks among his career highlights and whether it brought redemption after his disappointment in London.

"Not really! I've just managed to have a 10-minute nap and I think it's just about starting to sink in."

What was going through your mind when Dane started to pull away from you towards the end?

"That last lap was incredible. With 500m still to go I thought I could still win it, but he had something over me.

"The home crowd really did make all the difference there. But he's a good friend of mine, so to be honest, I don't mind being second to Dane. He's the only person I don't mind."

What was it like racing against an Australian in front of that crowd?

"I experienced that in London last year at the World Championships. It was agonising what happened to me - it happened again too today to an Aussie female.

"When they're on your side it makes all the difference - it's incredible. I was loving having the support there, everybody was cheering on everyone so that was great. To be honest the Aussies love sport as much as the Brits do."

You broke your own personal best and the British record, so there isn't much more you could have done is there?

"No, exactly. I was so over the moon to break 80 minutes. I was speaking to some of the runners and it's kind of like breaking 13 minutes in the 5,000m. That sent a statement and I knew just to get a medal would be impressive with such a stacked field.

"There's Olympic and world medallists, numerous top-eight athletes at other championships, so I knew winning a medal would put me as one of the best in the world. I sent that message - national record, the time as well - all three medallists were under the old Commonwealth record as well. It was a bonkers race and I'm really proud to be a part of it."

When you stood on the start line, did you feel like you could break that record?

"I knew I was in great shape, I didn't know how tough the conditions would be - the coaches have done a really great job with getting me to peak at the right time, I trust them fully.

"I knew it was going to be tough, I'm so pleased it came down to me and Dane, England versus Australia, we really put on a show - the noise to get Dane across the line first was absolutely incredible.

"My legs were absolutely gone, so it was brutal but brilliant. A brilliant, brilliant day."

It must have been all the more satisfying considering what happened in London too...

"Yeah, exactly. I've been breaking records on the track for the last few years now, trying to build my profile, last time was a huge opportunity and that will never leave me.

"I said after that race 'I will go and learn, I will go and get better, I'm not just saying this' - that's all I've ever done in my career. I never dared to dream that I would get to this level, so I can't even say dreams come true.

"I had to learn from it and now I'm back to breaking records, winning races, medal today... I'm back enjoying sport again and racing again."

Did what happened in London cross your mind before the race or were you just in the zone?

"I was completely in the zone, but in the build-up, it's like 'I can't let this happen again, I've got to focus, I want to stick to my own plan, do what I know I can do and not let anything else, like the crowds or the pressure or anything, affect me'.

"I think I delivered and I certainly wasn't as nervous in the week out, I just stayed chilled, the Village is amazing! Australia is amazing. As you can tell, I'm just over the moon."

What was your overriding emotion when you crossed the line then? Redemption, relief or just joy?

"All of it! I wanted to smile but I think more tears came out than anything, because it did just put London to bed.

"Now I've got one of the four medals - Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic - and it's European Athletic Champs in Berlin this summer, so who knows? Maybe I could add two of those to my list in one season."

Where does this rank among your career highlights so far?

"Almost number one - the Olympic Games, I did sixth place there - it's very, very special but people remember medals. And a couple of records as well, that's incredible.

"A podium means something and to share it with two great athletes, my mum and dad being here too, it's definitely a career highlight for me."

It was also the first English medal of the Games in athletics. As co-captain of the team, how important was it for you to lead from the front there?

"Absolutely, I really wanted to really set the mark for England. Obviously I'd have loved to have won but I'm very proud to have taken that medal today and won that for the team.

"I've been honoured to captain this team alongside Anyika (Onuora). It really is special for me, for a race-walker to be captain of England athletics at a Commonwealth Games. Pressure was on, but I enjoy that kind of pressure - it's nice."

What has been your role as captain, and what will it be for the remainder of the Games now that the programme has begun?

"It's great racing on the first day of athletics because it means I can go along and watch, support, really enjoy the rest of the Games for myself.

"But I really want to support - I try to help out if there's been any issues, people rooming with different people, people being away from home, homesickness, injuries, you've got it all going on here and it's a high-pressure situation.

"I've been to a few Games now - my first Games was Delhi in 2010 - so I've got some experience and I try to help the staff and help the athletes out. Just being a good role model and I really, really enjoyed it. Anyika's speech was brilliant and I hope people were inspired by my speech too. I'm really proud of being captain."

How have you found it juggling that role with competing?

"It's been quite a nice distraction, especially with having our training camp out in Brisbane. I felt like I could be more of a captain there, whereas when we went into the Village, I kind of kept a bit more of myself to myself as I prepared for my race. As I said, being early means I can really take on that role now."

What's the mood like in the camp now? Are you confident of a successful athletics programme for England?

"The mood is absolutely brilliant - we've just won more medals with Nick Miller winning gold with a Commonwealth record as well.

"I'm doing some media now with some weightlifters and they are so supportive with one another. It's just turning into a very special Games with plenty of medals."