HISTORIC COMMONWEALTH GAMES DRAWS TO A CLOSE

The Minister for Sport, Bridget McKenzie has congratulated Australia’s athletes on their outstanding performance at this year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

 

Australia has won 198 medals at this year’s games, including 80 golds, 59 silver and 59 bronze cementing Australia’s position as the number one sporting nation in the Commonwealth.

 

Minister McKenzie said the Gold Coast games have left a lasting impression both at home and abroad.

 

“From the pool, to the field and on the courts, our Australian athletes have done us proud on the Gold Coast they have inspired and motivated us with their performances.” Minister McKenzie said.

 

“Mitch Larkin’s efforts in the pool will go down in the history books. Winning five golds in five events, he has solidified his position as one of our nation’s best.

 

“Australia was cheering on Brandon Starc when he took the gold and reached his personal best in the high jump, reaching 2.32m – the second highest ever reached by an Australian.

 

“But it’s not just about the medals at this year’s friendly games. Who can forget that moment our runners Eloise Wellings, Celia Sullohern and Madeline Hills waited at the finish line to cheer on Lesotho’s Lineo Chaka in the gruelling women’s 10,000m race.

 

“This year’s games were the first multi-sport event to offer the same number of medals for both men’s and women’s competitions, something we should all be proud of.

 

“It was also the largest para-athletics integrated sports program in Commonwealth Games history, giving us unforgettable moments, like Isis Holt’s dominating victory in the T35 100m sprint and Kurt Fearnley ending his international career with a new games record in the men’s T54 marathon.

 

“A special mention should also go to the 15,000 volunteers who also played an integral part in making these Games such a success. Their enthusiasm and hard work at each and every event was just outstanding.

 

“GC2018 was not just a sporting spectacle to watch elite athletes perform at their very best. It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth on the Gold Coast, and as an inspiration for more Australians to love sport and get active.

 

“The Coalition is committed to ensuring the legacy of the games serves to encourage more Australian’s to engage in healthy lifestyles.

 

“That’s why we have provided $2 million to the Queensland Government’s Healthy and Active Legacy Program, to encourage more Australians to participate in sport and get active.”