Top Ten WAIS Moments from the Delhi Games
With the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games wrapped up, we look back at the ten most memorable moments from the Games involving WAIS athletes.
WAIS athlete Blair Evans put the disappointment of missing out on individual gold in the 200m freestyle to swim a strong leg in Australia’s gold medal winning 4x200m relay.
Hooker’s Defence
As reining Commonwealth Champion and the star attraction of the Delhi track and field meet, WAIS athlete Steve Hooker was under considerable pressure to perform. Hooker in true champion character, claimed gold and defended the title he first won in Melbourne 2006.
Knightly Honour
WAIS sprint cyclist Scott Sunderland enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Delhi winning gold in the 1km time-trial and the team sprint. In winning the kilo, Sunderland broke the Commonwealth record of world and Olympic champion, Sir Chris Hoy of Scotland.
Kim’s Silver Lining
WAIS javelin thrower Kim Mickle suffered the heart-break of missing bronze in Melbourne four years earlier, after being surpassed with the final throw of the competition. In Delhi, Mickle threw her way to a silver medal in her most triumphant performance at a major competition to date.
Family Ties
WAIS pole vaulter Alana Boyd won gold in the women’s final to emulate the feats of her mother Denise and father Ray, who both won Commonwealth titles for Australia, forming one of Australian sports most successful family dynasties.
Grand Slam.
WAIS hockey scholarship holders Fergus Kavanagh and Trent Mitton played in Australia’s emphatic 8-0 gold medal winning performance over hosts India. The win for the Kookaburras ensured coach Ric Charlesworth’s men won every major tournament they played in 2010.
Agony
Few contests in India shredded the nerve ends like the netball gold medal match between Australia and New Zealand. WAIS athlete Susan Fuhrmann produced a stoic performance against powerhouse goal shooter Irene van Dyk, but it proved in vain, as the Silver Ferns triumphed in double over-time on the last day of competition.
Fantastic Four
WAIS hockey athletes Ashleigh Nelson, Shelly Liddelow, Jayde Taylor and Fiona Boyce featured in the Hockeyroos’ thrilling penalty strokes victory over New Zealand following a 2-2 draw. Nelson scored during the match and converted a crucial penalty in a pulsating clash in drastic heat.
World Class
WAIS World Champion cyclist Cameron Meyer was one of the Games enduring memories after the 22 year-old won three gold medals in the points race, team pursuit and scratch race. His victory in the points score was a sight to behold as he lapped the field three times in an effort that left the velodrome mesmerised by one of track cycling’s greatest stars.
Comeback Queen
WAIS gymnast Lauren Mitchell ended a year plagued by injury to lead Australia to team gold before earning three individual titles and a silver as the mercurial talent reinforced her reputation as the finest female artistic gymnast this country has ever produced.