Corey is the Main man for swim team

Avoiding being blinded isn’t a usual concern for an athlete.

But the backstrokers at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast will have that, along with their opponents, to deal with when the swimming competition starts today.

New Zealand’s Corey Main will contest the 100m and 200m men’s backstroke events at the open-air Optus Aquatic Centre at Southport, where lying on your back and staring at the sky while you race becomes a notable issue.

‘‘When it’s sunny you’re more likely going to be blinded,’’ said the United States-based Main.

‘‘You make preparations, wear dark goggles.

‘‘If it’s rainy or windy you just have to deal with it – everyone is in the same situation as you. You’ve got to grit your teeth and get on with it. We do have a 50m outdoor pool at Florida to practise in – it won’t be anything new for me.

‘‘I’m expecting it to be loud too ... tickets have sold out, it’ll be electric for sure.’’

Main made the 100 backstroke final at last year’s world champs in Budapest and, without the presence of the retired Lauren Boyle, assumes seniority and the weight of medal hopes in the pool for New Zealand.

He’s aware of the pressure that brings for a sport that has had continual funding cuts and now has to do without the world-class presence and results of Boyle.

‘‘It doesn’t really effect me though – I have to take every day and every race in stride,’’ Main said. ‘‘You try and block that out. ‘‘I’m following in the footsteps of the Kiwi greats, Danyon Loader, Moss Burmester – I’m just continuing that Kiwi tradition.’’

❚ Injuries continue to hit the New Zealand team hard. Wrestler Michelle Montague has been forced to withdraw from the Games after breaking her leg in training in Canada.