On the eve of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Pavey had a bacterial infection that caused her face to swell, but recovered in time to compete. In the race she held bronze medal position with 600 m to go, but tied up severely and finished fifth. She required assistance to leave the track, and did not leave the stadium for another three hours as she received medical attention. Her condition was later attributed to a magnesium deficiency together with the infection. A Golden League meeting at the end of August brought a new 3,000 m personal best of 8:31.27. In the next Golden League meeting a week later, Pavey gained a new 5,000 m personal best of 14:48.66.