Golden boys show off their spoils

GOLD medals draped around their necks, Tasmanian sporting superstars Eddie Ockenden, Jeremy Edwards and Jake Birtwhistle can hardly believe their success at the Commonwealth Games.

The trio were all gold medallists at the Gold Coast games this month and have returned home to celebrate.

Tasmania’s Commonwealth Games athletes will appear at Princes Wharf No. 1 as part of a public welcome home event today.

Kookaburras star and gold medallist Ockenden said the atmosphere around a homenation event was amazing.

“We were a big chance to medal and to come away with a gold medal is fantastic,” he said.

“The feeling was very dif- ferent to what I’ve had in the past. I’ve played over 300 games and that was my third Commonwealth Games ... but to have it at home was a really different feeling.”

Ockenden’s teammate Edwards agreed. “A multi-sport event is a bit of a unique one for us because we don’t actually get to play big events as often as we’d like,” he said.

“We play overseas a lot so to play in front of family and friends and come away with a gold medal is a dream come true.”

Gold and silver medallist, triathlete Birtwistle said his debut games was an amazing experience.

“It took a while to sink in and I’m not sure it still really has,” he said.

The welcome home will run from noon-1.30pm.