Games fever about to hit us

EACH weekend The Chronicle sport team jumps on its Saturday Soapbox and voices its opinion on some pressing sporting issues.

This week, Jason and Glen talk about the Commonwealth Games.

Jason Gibbs: I wish we were able to tell our readership that Toowoomba’s Lara Nielsen had been named in our Commonwealth Games squad.

But unfortunately there is a lot of protocol and procedure to follow before that happens.

It doesn’t make me any less excited about the Games though.

With the focus a lot brighter on the “lesser nations” competing, I think the Commonwealth Games have a warmer appeal.

I think they really show that dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and work hard.

Look at our own representatives.

Not long ago Laura Geitz was just returning from her “motherhood sabbatical”.

Now with dedication and hard work she is back in the Diamonds team.

Matt Denny and Lara Nielsen (I’m positive she will be named in the team next week) are also prime examples.

Toowoomba isn’t blessed with any elite athletic facilities yet we have two elite level throwers and a promising crop of youngsters coming through the ranks.

Work ethic and passion it counts for a lot.

Glen McCullough: The Games buzz hasn’t hit yet, but wait until that opening ceremony arrives and the action begins.

We will be enthralled by the theatre of it and become armchair experts on all events — many we get to witness only every couple of years.

Gibbo has touched on the Downs representation at his year’s Games.

The bigger picture is we get to beat-up on most countries at this level, instead of being on the receiving end at the Olympics.

But as Australia does when grabbing medals against the odds at Olympic Games, so too will some of the lesser recognised countries on the Gold Coast and that’s what the spirit of the competition is about.

A highlight for me will be Sally Pearson’s gold medal shot in the 100m hurdles.

I love everything about Sally — her work ethic, her passion, her determination and will to succeed and her ability to deliver on the big stage. She is an inspirational Australian.