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The last time Australia served as host for the Commonwealth Games was in 2006 when John Howard was still prime minister and Facebook had only just gone public. Now, 12 years and five PMs later, The Games are back.
More than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories will descend on the Gold Coast in Queensland to compete in GC2018 from April 4–15, vying for medals in 18 sports and seven para-sports.
In fact, this year’s Commonwealth Games will feature its largest para-sport program ever with 38 events involving 300 para- sport athletes.
The GC2018 event also promises to be a game changer in the division of medals, becoming the first major multi- sport event in the world with an equal number of medals up for grabs between men and women.
Swimming champion Kyle Chalmers (above) will be chasing gold less than a year after heart surgery to fix a defect. “To be competing at my first Com Games,” the 19-year old told The Courier Mail, “is very exciting.”
What you need to know
Three sports are making their Commonwealth Games Debut in 2018:
- Men’s rugby sevens has been in the Games since 1998, the women’s code will finally join the ranks
- Men’s and Women’s beach volleyball will be a likely hit with fans
- Endurance para-athletes will be able to compete in the first Commonwealth Games paratriathlon as well as the marathon
Must-see events
Wednesday April 4: The Opening Ceremony will shine a light on all things Queensland
Thursday April 5: After breaking their 12-year Commonwealth Games gold-medal drought in 2014, the Diamonds team return.
Sunday April 8: Australia’s hopes will be on Jack Cartwright, Cameron McEvoy and Kyle Chalmers in the men’s 100m freestyle final.
Friday April 13: Sally Pearson takes on the 100m hurdles in the hopes of winning gold in her hometown.
You can catch all the Commonwealth Games action on Seven.
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