HUNTING OUR OWN DEEK

AN enduring image from Brisbane’s 1982 Commonwealth Games is that of the marathon legend known simply as “Deek’’, running the race of his life along the River City’s spectacular Coronation Drive.

What unfolded in those critical kilometres of a crucial duel as Rob de Castella chased down, jousted with and eventually overcame the Tanzanian, Juma Ikangaa, was a pivotal moment for the man, the race, the host city and Games history.

It was a come-from-behind win that still sends shivers down the spines of all who witnessed the race.

Thousands had lined the 42.1km route of the marathon, which had begun in Stanley St at 6am on a humid October 8.

The route took the runners through city streets and Fortitude Valley, towards the airport and then back towards the University of Queensland. It was on the return leg that Deek, at one point trailing by more than a minute, made his move.

Millions watched on television, absorbed by a contest that the Australian won by just 12 seconds. Such drama all lies ahead for the Gold Coast in April, when a global audience totalling 1.5 billion across 11 days of competition will watch the Commonwealth’s elite athletes go for gold.

Every Games produces tales of heroism and heartbreak. Gold Coasters will have plenty of hometown sentimental favourites across the entire Games.

But when the marathon is run on the final day, the city will be cheering on one local hero in particular, Michael Shelley.

The Gold Coast will be hoping his duel, as the route carries him past our spectacular beaches toward the finish line, delivers another win for the ages.