PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR STARS
Meet the 103-year-old Gold Coast grandmother loving every minute of our Commonwealth Games
CARLA Robinson was tipped to be the oldest attendee of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, but unfortunately she had to make a tough decision to put her health first.
The 103-year-old had been looking forward to the spectacle for months, but “took a turn” at the last minute and decided to stay home and rest.
The long-time local could still be the Games’ oldest supporter, saying she’s thrilled the international sporting event is being held in her home town.
“Such great venues all over Queensland and here in my home, the Gold Coast,” Mrs Robinson said.
“Sport is such an important thing for young people, good for their mind and body and to get out meeting others.”
Granddaughter Karren Clark said her grandmother had shown interest in attending the opening ceremony for months.
“When the opening ceremony advertisements came on, she said ‘wouldn’t it be just wonderful to go?’,” Ms Clark said.
“She wanted to go for the spectacle of it. This was going to be a huge event.”
Ms Clark said her grandmother might have been a little overambitious in her plans to be a part of the big party.
“She’s got a bit overexcited and bit off more than she could chew,” Ms Clark said.
Mrs Robinson made sure to tune in to the television coverage of the opening night.
“All those young people, and their coaches and advisers here, having the time of their lives,” she said.
“What a great adventure for them all to travel the world and meet like-minded athletes.”
Ms Clark said Mrs Robinson has lived in the region for more than 40 years and had always shown an interest in sport. “She’s been on the Gold Coast since 1974,” she said.
“She loves gymnastics, she used to be interested in swimming and she used to do athletics.”
Comparing her to another local legend, Ms Clark said she’s proud of her grandmother for knowing when to trust her instinct.
“I’m so proud of my Nanna, in some ways, like Sally Pearson,” Ms Clark said.
“Despite a willingness to participate and be an example, she had to make the tough and brave decision to withdraw from attending in person, but still supporting big-time from the sidelines.
“Carla is back on her feet and firing on all engines.”
WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE FOR THEM ALL TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AND MEET LIKE-MINDED ATHLETES CARLA ROBINSON