Commonwealth Games 2018
- April 3rd, 2018
- Charlie Bull
This year's Commonwealth Games takes place on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. It's the first time that the Games have been held down under in 12 years back when Melbourne was the host city. As is stated in the name of the competition, those that take place in the Games are all Commonwealth countries!
Last Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow 2014, England came out triumphant with the Australians coming second; meaning Australia will be determined to get one over the English this time out on home soil. The other top countries at the Games include Canada and India.
The competition spans 12 days, with 70 nations and territories battling it out for medals in 23 sports.
Athletics
Track and Field Athletics is always the showpiece sport at any multi-event competition. The greatest athletes going toe to toe in the biggest stadiums. 100m sprinter Andre de Graas will be turning up the heat this year - the Canadian ran a wind-assisted 9.69s back in June. The man is deemed to be Bolt's predecessor, let's see!
Caster Semenya will be competing, gunning for her first Commonwealth medal. The South African 800m runner is coming in off the back of two golds in the event at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Finally a young Brit to keep an eye on is Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake - the 23 year old will be taking part in the 200m and with van Niekerk out of action through injury it could pave way for a magical Games for Mitchell-Blake. He helped Team GB to relay gold at the 2017 World Championships in London.
Swimming
Turning to swimming, one of the big names is world record holder Adam Peaty; defending Commonwealth champion in the 100m breaststroke and medley relay. Be sure to look out for the Englishman in the pool.
Kyle Chalmers, the 19 year old Australian will be looking to do his country proud in these Games. The swimmer shot out of nowhere into stardom in the 100m freestyle at Rio 2016 taking the gold medal.
Rugby Sevens
A new sporting addition to the Commonwealth Games this year is Womens Rugby Sevens. The Australian women were outstanding at the last Olympics, taking home the inaugural gold in the event - and they'll be aiming to do the same again. This time on home soil!
Table Tennis
One incredible young athlete to look out for is 11 year old Anna Hursey (yes, 11!). The young Welsh wizard is competing for her country at table tennis in these Games. She started playing at just five years of age during a holiday to China with her mother - and received one-to-one coaching!
Summary
The medal table will be a tight affair at the top between England and Australia, but will the Aussies make home advantage count and appease a nation in sporting turmoil after the cricketing scandal? The competition begins on April 4th and ends April 15th. It's sure to be a fascinating Games!