Aussies reach a medal milestone

NEED proof Australia is the best nation in the Commonwealth? Here’s 1000 of them. Australia on Sunday became the first country to crack the 1000-gold medal milestone at the Commonwealth Games.

And what a fitting way to do it, with the country’s most loved teams, the Diamonds netball squad, claiming a fighting gold medal against a red-hot Jamaica. It was their fourth Commonwealth title.

The countdown was on in earnest on Sunday as Australians across Birmingham chipped away at the incredible record.

The Aussies have spent the past 10 days dominating rival nations to sit comfortably atop the medal tally since making a splash at the swimming.

But this time the race was against themselves.

Australia arrived in Birmingham needing 66 golds, and going into the penultimate day of competition that was down to just seven.

Georgia Baker kicked things off on Sunday, winning the women’s road race. Kelsey-Lee Barber pipped teammate Mackenzie Little in the final of the women’s javelin.

Men’s volleyballers Chris McHugh and Paul Burnett did their part, toppling Canada.

When Cassiel Rousseau took gold in the 10m platform with an exhilarating final dive – scoring 103.60 - the historic mark was in reach.

Just three more to go – and our ur all-conquering netball and cricket teams and diver Maddison Keeney in the 3m springboard final made up the final numbers.

Chef de Mission Petria Thomas said Birmingham was a momentous occasion for Australia and the Games.

“Australia has a long and proud sporting history, with this 1000th gold medal cementing our spot at the top of the Commonwealth table,” Thomas who contributed nine of gold medals in a stellar career over three Games.

“On behalf of the whole team I congratulate the Diamonds in bringing home this significant medal in our amazing history and all those who have stood atop the podium at this year’s Games and all the Games, dating back to Hamilton in 1930.”