In praise of ‘miracle’ medalists
Wearside has produced a Commonwealth Games medal masterclass.
As we went to press last night, our community was sitting on a haul of three Commonwealth Games medals.
And to say it is a masterclass is probably underselling it. A medal miracle may be more apt.
To put this achievement into perspective, Wearside is currently outstripping entire countries in the medal table.
While Sunderland boasts three Commonwealth medals, it leaves nations like Bermuda, Grenada and Ghana foundering in its wake.
Sunderland is even level pegging with Pakistan, who at the time of going to press, had also helped themselves to three medals.
That means Sunderland (population: 275,000) is level pegging with a nation that boasts a population of 200million!
The individuals stories of twin boxers Luke and Pat McCormack and bowls champion David Bolt are remarkable in themselves.
But when you put their achievements into that international context, they are incredible.
And we ar e over the moon to be able to sing their praises on these pages.
They are doing their bit to put our community on the sporting map, but, more importantly, they are inspiring a generation of Sunderland youngsters to believe they can make it to the top.
Those medals are a validation of all the hard work and dedication these individuals have put into their chosen sport.
And what’s more those medals will be visiting a school or community group near you very soon.
What these sports stars have achieved will inspire a generation. Well done.