The XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia has given us some great moments and none more than watching our own sporting stars achieve greatness in their own
Tom Bosworth started off proceedings over a week ago when he finished second in the Men’s 20km Race Walk on Currumbin Beachfront. Tom walked home in a new British record of 1.19:38 on his way to picking up the silver medal behind Australian Dane Bird-Smith.
Sevenoaks Suns’ Chantelle Pressley was only aware that she was going to the Gold Coast when the England Basketball squad was announced on March 16. She commented at the time: “I am excited to announce I have been selected to represent Team England for the Commonwealth Games in Australia. It is truly an honour and I look forward to the journey!”.
And what a journey it was, as England’s women made it all the way to the Gold Medal match versus favourites Australia. England lost the match but earned themselves a Silver medal which was a fantastic achievement for the whole team and one that Chantelle will never forget.
Susannah Townsend, who attended Russell House School in Sevenoaks, was part of the Bronze medal winning Women’s Hockey Team. After a great campaign they eventually lost in the semi-finals to Australia but picked themselves up to beat India 6-0 for third place.
Jake Sheaf, from Eynsford and partner, Chris Gregory, gave a good account of themselves down under as they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Beach Volleyball competition. The pair sadly lost out to eventual Gold medallists Australia and suffered defeat again to New Zealand in the Bronze medal match.
Tom Bosworth summed up the mood in Australia when he commented on Twitter: “I don’t want these champs to end. A medal was incredible but being part of awesome Team England and days after days of sport in the sunshine is just heaven. Appreciating how fortunate I am right now!”.
We’ve enjoyed watching you as much as you’ve all enjoyed taking part.
