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On Sunday, the Commonwealth Games wrapped up in a scene of great pageantry, as athletes from all around the Commonwealth let down their hair and celebrated the end of what was a brilliant games.
While Australia’s medal tally did not live up to expectations, our final tally of 49 gold, 42 silver and 26 bronze was the envy of all bar the victorious English team.
Critics challenge the validity of the games, however one only needs to look at the joy of those who emerged victorious to understand their true worth.
The scenes after the Hockeyroos’ victory over England in the gold medal playoff, which went to a penalty shootout, would have sent shivers down the spine of any Aussie sporting fan.
The true highlight of the games was 15-year-old swimmer Maddison Elliott breaking the long-standing para-100 metre S8 freestyle record in claiming a gold medal. I challenge anyone to try and tell the tearful youngster that her medal meant nothing.
For most athletes with a disability, their biggest stage is the Paralympics, which is often relegated to an early-morning timeslot on the ABC. Seeing Elliott’s proud smile plastered all over coverage, replays and the next day’s papers are what these Games are all about.
The Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle for the sport of netball, as it is not featured in the Olympics. Nations operate in four-year cycles, hoping to peak at the Comm Games. Australia’s crushing victory over the Silver Ferns of New Zealand was the result of hard work, and brilliant preparation.
Before Monday morning, I had never watched a full game of squash in my life. I stayed up until almost 3 am to watch Australian squash doubles partners David Palmer and Cameron Pilley claim gold in what was the last event of the Games. I sat nervously as the third and deciding set went down to the wire.
The Games also proved to be a source of redemption for the under-performing Australian swimming side. Changes were implemented after our disastrous London Olympic campaign, and the changes worked, with 19 gold in the pool.
It looks as though the events preceding the Games and unfortunately continuing into competition within the Australian Athletics team may lead to a similar review. Hopefully they can all get on the same page before Rio in 2016.
Stars were made in Glasgow. Young Aussie athletes became household names. Forgotten sports were showcased on an international level. We won 49 gold medals, which means we have 49 Australians that are the best at their sport and discipline in the Commonwealth.
If moments such as Elliott’s brilliant swim, David Palmer’s double gold in one night in squash, the Hockeyroos dramatic last-minute equaliser before winning gold in the shootout, year 12 student Eleanor Patterson’s high jump gold, or Sally Pearson’s brilliant run despite multiple distractions didn’t make you proud, perhaps sport isn’t for you.