CROSS THOSE FINGERS GC

THE locals call this God’s country.

That notion is going to be seriously tested in just over five weeks time when the Commonwealth Games rolls into town.

Specifically, during the swimming at the renamed but still roofless Optus Aquatic Centre.

One thing keeping Games organisers, and no doubt residents, awake at night is how the city and state’s under pressure road network will handle the Games influx.

But the other potential PR stumble is a storm smashing open-air swim sessions.

As Games organising committee chairman Peter Beattie can’t say enough, these Games are “on time and on budget”.

There is no doubt the Gold Coast will be more than ready – as ready as any Games host has been – to not just pull it off but shine on the world stage while doing it.

Unlike Delhi’s lead-in maintenance issues, the Gold Coast is good to go.

As National Trust of Australia CEO Jonathan Fisher noted recently we also have a major head start on previous host Glasgow – known for being a bit grey and industrial – given this city’s glorious natural environment, beaches and visitor infrastructure.

And who would be Birmingham, having to follow the Coast’s lead as Games host in 2022. Yes, this is a city tailor-made for shining on the world stage.

But around the city fingers are being crossed – and crossed tightly – that the weather doesn’t spoil the show with a tropical storm during the swimming.

It has been a wetter than normal season with 260mm falling in February so far. Yes, it’s well below the record of 460mm but it is well above the average.

You have to like Mayor Tom Tate’s gumption, yesterday shrugging off concerns with good humour — there will be no chlorine sting in the eyes at our open-air venue, he said, promising he’ll personally towel down any medallists if it’s wet.

Good humour at this point is probably the best way to go — oh, and cross your fingers.