Colourful end to Games in Gold Coast ceremony

Scotland’ s athletes to return with medal haul

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games came to a spectacular close yesterday amid a colourful closing ceremony.

As athletes watched from the Carrara Stadium, headliner Usain Bolt ditched his tracksuit and provided some entertainment with a DJ set. The ceremony included songs and poetry about history, unity, equality and inclusivity.

However, coverage of the closing ceremony came under fire from local news channels as they blasted games organisers over the lack of footage of the athletes and flag-bearers entering the arena.

Australia’s Channel 7 host, Johanna Griggs, was “furious” that the traditional procession had been omitted. One tradition that was carried out, however, was the official handover to Birmingham in England in 2022.

As the Commonwealth flag was awarded to Birmingham’s lord mayor, Anne Underwood, she told the crowds that she looked forward to showcasing the Midlands city’s “youth and diversity” as a video played to the crowd live from Birmingham’s Victoria Square.

Dancers and performers dressed in multi-coloured outfits erupted into cheers as their mayor addressed the stadium.

Eighth in the medal table at what was Scotland’s most successful overseas Commonwealth Games, the Scottish athletes will be bringing home nine gold medals, 13 silver and 22 bronze. Home nation Australia topped the medals list with 198 in total, followed by England with 136.

Duncan Scott carried the flag into the arena for Scotland.

The 20-year-old swimmer from Alloa became Scotland’s most decorated athlete at a single games, winning one gold, one silver and four bronze medals in the pool.

ENDING: Fireworks light up the Carrara Stadium during the closing ceremony for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia

Dancers perform on stage to mark the 2018 Commonwealth Games close

Athletes proudly carry their nations’ flags during the closing ceremony