Gold medal for good cheer
Home fans energise our heroes
MEET Australia’s unofficial cheer squad, the Boomerangers.
They’re loud, proud, and well ... everywhere.
A trio of South Australians – twins Andy and Matt Axford and friend Wubishet Murphy – is determined to leave an impression on the Commonwealth Games, as the most enthusiastic support squad.
The housemates, aspiring athletes themselves, have decided to focus on cheering the Aussie team after realising they may not make the cut.
“Growing up we started to realise we were maybe not that good, so instead we decided to be the support team,” Matt Axford said.
“We have all experienced glory by being state champions in middle-distance events over the years,” self-described third wheel of the group Mr Murphy said.
“We grew up with the dream of representing Australia but have come to terms with that goal being out of reach – the next best thing is to fuel the athletes with fan energy and be a part of their performances,” he said.
The Adelaide gang also consists of Jumpy the Kangaroo, who adopts his name from another blow-up Kangaroo that featured at the last Games.
“In 2006, we watched the Melbourne Commonwealth Games on TV and said if it was ever held in Australia again we would go the full 10 days and experience it all,” Mr Murphy said.
“We want to showcase what the Australian sporting spirit is all about!”
The boys said Jumpy needed a daily pump up to cope with all the hugs he had shared with adoring fans.
Not content with adding colour to the sidelines, the trio has assisted marathon star Jessica Trengove on her training preparation as she tries to improve on her bronze from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
“It can be lonely training for marathons, so when you train you keep them company,” Andy Axford said.
Just three days into the Games the group has already exchanged texts with the Australian team, had Jumpy arrested and made friends throughout the Commonwealth.
“Yes, the police did put Jumpy in handcuffs for a photo,” Mr Axford said.
“We just try to be loud and kick off a bit of crowd involvement and get everyone to chant.
“We have even had a crack at getting some of the other countries involved in cheering for our guys.
“We feel we have a job to do as the host country.”