Commonwealth Games Australia has tonight confirmed 51 athletes for Gold Coast 2018 (GC2018).
A total of 47 names have been added to the Australian Commonwealth Games team from this weekend’s 2018 Australian Athletics Championships & Nomination Trial, with four selected from the recent Australian 20km Race Walking Championships.
Australian Team Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti welcomed the athletes on to the Australian Team.
“Over the last two weekends at the Australian Championships, we saw some amazing performances by our Australian athletes on the road and within track and field,” Moneghetti said.
“We have already welcomed the first 14 athletes on to the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, but it is incredibly exciting to welcome a further 51 athletes that have achieved an automatic nomination at Australian Championships.
“The Games are now only 44 days away and the team is getting stronger and stronger,” Moneghetti said.
The Gold Coast’s Sally Pearson (100m hurdles, Qld), is one of four athletes heading for their record equalling fourth Commonwealth Games. Pearson is keen to not be distracted by the pressure of competing on home ground.
“I feel exactly the same, yes it’s a home Games and that is exciting, but I don’t think like that,” she said.
“In my head it is just another race and this Commonwealth Games could be anywhere in the world, but it just happens to be here.
“I will be thinking like it’s in any stadium in the world. I don’t think I’ll get overwhelmed by the situation as I have a lot of experience under my belt.”
Joining Pearson is Kathryn Mitchell (javelin, Vic), Benn Harradine (discus, Qld) and Lauren Wells(ACT, 400m hurdles), each headed for a record-equalling fourth Commonwealth Games.
“To win a title and automatic selection is fantastic,” Wells said. “The Games are going to be incredible. As a 17-year-old I got to run at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 and it’s still one of my favourite events and performances I have ever been in.”
Wells is looking for that elusive podium after finishing fourth at Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014.
Olympic bronze medallist, Dane Bird-Smith is another local athlete selected, courtesy of his win at the Australian 20km Race Walking Championships.
“Competing on the Gold Coast for a Commonwealth title is going to be the highlight of the year,” he said. “I can’t wait to get out on the road and feel the energy of the crowd lining the course. I know it will bring out the best in me.”
Reigning Commonwealth champions, Angie Ballard (T54 1500m), Dani Stevens (discus) and Sally Pearson (100m hurdles) will have a chance to defend their titles.
Queensland’s Matt Denny becomes the first athlete since Keith Pardon (NSW) in 1938 and 1950 to represent Australia in both the hammer and discus at the Commonwealth Games when he competes at Gold Coast 2018.
“Because I’ve done it all my life, it’s normal for me,” Denny said of his juggling act. “I love it. I’m one of the only people that can throw this far in both events in the world and we’ve got a lot more to do. I’m dispelling the myth that you can’t do two events and I enjoy proving people wrong.”
At age 17, Bendere Oboya (NSW) becomes the youngest Australian 400m athlete to be selected for the Games in that event. Another 17-year-old Riley Day (Qld), who won the national sprint double on the weekend, has been selected in the 200m.
Both Oboya and Day won gold at The Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Australian Commonwealth Games Athletics Team so far:
Alex Hartmann 200m
Alex Hulley Hammer
Angela Ballard T54 1500m
Anneliese Rubie 400m
Beki Smith 20km Walk
Bendere Oboya 400m
Benn Harradine Discus
Brandon Starc High Jump
Brianna Coop T35 100m
Brittany McGowan 800m
Brooke Stratton Long Jump
Cameron Crombe F38 Shot Put
Cassie Purdon High Jump
Cedric Dubler Decathlon
Celeste Mucci Heptathlon
Celia Sullohern 10,000 metres; 5000m
Chris Hamer Marathon
Chris Mitrevski Long Jump
Damien Birkinhead Shot Put
Dane Bird-Smith 20km Walk
Dani Stevens Discus Throw
Dave McNeill 5000m
Elizabeth Parnov Pole Vault
Emmanuel Fakiye Triple Jump
Erin Cleaver T38 Long Jump
Evan O’Hanlon T38 100 metres
Georgia Griffith 800m
Hamish Peacock Javelin Throw
Ian Dewhurst 400m Hurdles
Isis Holt T35 100 metres
Jake Lappin T54 1500m
James Nipperess 3000m Steeplechase
Jemima Montag 20km Walk
Jessica Trengrove Marathon
Jordan Williamsz 1500m
Joshua Ralph 800m
Kathryn Mitchell Javelin Throw
Kelsey-Lee Roberts Javelin Throw
Kurtis Marschall Pole Vault
Lauren Wells 400m Hurdles
Liam Adams Marathon
Linden Hall 1500m
Lisa Weightman Marathon
Luke Mathews 800m
Madeline Hills 5000m
Madison Coates 200m
Madison de Rozario T54 1500 metres
Matt Denny Hammer, Discus
Michael Shelley Marathon
Michelle Jenneke 100m Hurdles
Morgan McDonald 5000m
Naa Anang Long Jump
Nicholas Hough 110m Hurdles
Nina Kennedy Pole Vault
Patrick Tiernan 10,000 metres
Rhydian Cowley 20km Walk
Riley Day 200m
Ryan Gregson 1500m
Sally Pearson 100m Hurdles
Stewart McSweyn 10,000 metres
Taryn Gollshewsky Discus Throw
Trae Williams 100m
Victoria Mitchell 3000m steeplechase
Virginia Moloney Marathon
Zoe Buckman 1500m
End
Cover photo by Ewa Facioni
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