OUR LONG RUN HOME
Games swimmer running the baton down the beach for her premature son Jack who never got the chance Hundreds of Gold Coasters today named in Commonwealth Games relay across Australia
CHAMPION swimmer Brooke Hanson plans to dedicate her leg of the Commonwealth Games baton relay to her prematurely born son Jack who never got the chance to feel the sand between his toes.
The Palm Beach-based Olympic gold and silver medallist is one of 3800 Australians revealed today for baton duties as it completes a 100-day journey across the country to arrive on the Gold Coast in April.
Mrs Hanson first carried the baton as a 16-year-old in Sydney ahead of the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada but said this time it will take on extra poignancy.
Her second-born Jack who passed in 2012 after a ninemonth battle in intensive care will be her inspiration.
“That’s who I will be running for - I will be running for Jack who never got a chance to put his beautiful toes on the beaches of the Gold Coast.
“I talk about having four kids - I have the three with me and he’s my angel,” she said.
Mrs Hanson, who plans to have sons Cooper (8) and Billy (3) and daughter Mathilda (2) run the baton alongside her, is an ambassador for Life’s Little Treasures Foundation which supports families dealing with sick and premature babies.
She said Jack inspired her family’s relocation two years ago to the Gold Coast where she moved in her late teens.
“Losing Jack and having held him for his last breath you realise life is so short and you need to live with passion and purpose in your life every day and give something back.
“We wanted to come back and raise family here because of the lifestyle.
“I believe coming back here was a gift from him and now live every day like it’s our last for him because he never got that chance,” she said.
Her baton leg will also take her back to her days as a teenager competing in her first Commonwealth Games and “where it all began with a dream”.
“It’s really special to know the kids will be there running beside me and enjoying the Commonwealth spirit.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation to not give up on their dreams. It’s about beliving in yourself. I believe the Commonwealth spirit and Games will be inspiring for our younger generation.”
Her fellow baton bearers represent a cross-section of Australians from age 10 to 100.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said those chosen were a great reflection of Australia.
“The baton bearers recognise the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life, from ambitious 10-year-olds to humble volunteers and well-known Australians from a variety of fields.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the baton holders were in for an experience of a lifetime and one they would cherish.
“The Games is our once in a lifetime opportunity to show the world what Queensland has to offer.”
The baton starts the final leg from Brisbane on Christmas Eve. It arrives on the Gold Coast on April 1 ahead of the Games starting on April 4.