So, a very successful Commonwealth Games draws to a close in Glasgow. The city showed itself off to great effect, helped by some wonderful weather. The organisers and volunteers can take great pride in the welcome they provided. Scottish and English athletes shared triumphs together as part of Team GB at London 2012. Here they were competing with each other. But I think people all around the UK were cheering for all the British competitors. And indeed fans everywhere applauded some great performances like Usain Bolt in the 4x100m relay.
Australia did very well as usual, with strong showings by the swimming and cycling teams. And team captain Sally Pearson retained her gold in the 100m hurdles. But they were pushed into second place by England for the first time in 24 years. It was good to see Tom Daley, from my home county of Devon, getting his diving gold.
Australia can seek their revenge on home soil in four years’ time, as now it’s over to the Gold Coast in Queensland, to host the next Games in 2018. I’ve been up there a couple of times and met some of the people involved in organising it, and I’m sure it’s going to be another fantastic Games.
