Aussies in action Day 9
1. TINA RAHIMI Boxing - featherweight
This could be one of the most inspiring stories of the Games, with Australia’s first Muslim boxer guaranteed a medal as she steps out in the semifinals. But with one hard-fought victory under her belt, Rahimi could yet go all the way to gold.
2. ALEXANDRA KIROIBOGATYREVA Rhythmic gymnastics apparatus finals
The only remaining member of Australia’s team from the
Gold Coast Games, KiroiBogatyreva will look to add to the two bronze medals she won as a 16-year-old when she takes part in the apparatus finals. Strong chance to force her way on to the dais in the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon events.
3. MELISSA WU Diving - Women’s synchronised 10m platform
Wu will become the first Australian diver - and just the fourth from any nation
- to compete at five Commonwealth Games when she lines up in the women’s synchronised platform event with a partner who wasn’t even born when she made her Games debut in Melbourne in 2006.
4. CATRIONA BISSET Athletics - 800m
Bisset has plenty of motivation for the 800m final after a dramatic fall at the world titles less than a fortnight ago that resulted in 11 stitches in her thigh, ruining her chances of making the final. She faces a tough challenge in Birmingham, with England’s world championship silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson in stunning form.
5. GRETEL BUETA Netball
Rated one of the world’s best players, goalshooter Bueta will need to be at her absolute finest today if the Diamonds are to win their semi-final against England and progress to the gold medal match. A former basketballer, Bueta was well contained by Jamaica, and now the Aussies have the harder path to gold against host England.
6. KAYE SCOTT Boxing - Light Middleweight
Australia’s top female boxer is into the semi-finals, facing Alcinda Helena Panguane, of Mozambique, for a shot at the gold medal. It will be a tough fight for Scott - Panguane is the reigning world title silver medallist.
7. JEMIMA MONTAG Athletics - women’s race walk
Only disaster is likely to keep Montag off the top of the podium in the 10,000m race walk, after the Aussie finished fourth in the 20km race walk at the recent world championships in the US, where she was the only Commonwealth athlete in the top 10. The defending Games champion, Montag is making a habit of collecting major titles and is one of the rising stars of Australian athletics.