Mix masters sense gold medal chance
AUSTRALIA’S perfect mix of specialised skills has Gold Coast pommel horse maestro Michael Tone dreaming of a golden Commonwealth Games debut next month.
The 21-year-old, who is based in Brisbane but represents Gold Coast Gymnastics Club, has been chosen on Australia’s five-man Games team after impressing selectors at trials.
He is joined on the men’s team by fellow Queenslanders Michael Mercieca and Mitchell Morgans, as well as Christopher Remkes (SA) and Luke Wadsworth (Victoria), with a two-week camp in Canberra next week to determine which members will take up the four Games spots on each apparatus.
However, Tone believes the teams event will be their best chance for success, with each bringing a different skillset to the line-up.
“As a team we definitely are (a medal chance). We strengthen each other’s weaknesses,” Tone said.
“With me for example, where I’m lacking (on the high bar) the other guys bring up. Chris Remke’s strength is the vault and he’s probably our best medal chance, and Mitchell Morgans’ (strength) is high bar.
“Pommel is definitely my big strength. It’s always been my best as a junior.
“I’ve always enjoyed it and just naturally (it was a strength).
“On an individual basis I would love to medal on pommel but my first goal would be to make the final and go from there.”
Tone’s love affair with gymnastics began as a threeyear-old and carried him into the international spotlight for the first time at last year’s World Cup in Melbourne.
Now preparing to compete in front of friends and family at the Games from April 4-15, he admits he is “still trying to process” his selection.
“I’m thrilled to get the chance and can’t wait for the Games themselves,” he said.
“Not so much at the moment but a day or two before the Games, when I realise it’s just around the corner, (I will get nervous).”
The Australian women’s team includes Gold Coastborn and raised gymnasts Georgia Godwin and Georgia-Rose Brown, a 2014 Games team silver medallist.
I’M THRILLED TO GET THE CHANCE AND CAN’T WAIT FOR THE GAMES THEMSELVES MICHAEL TONE