IMAGE | Edgar Dunc Gray, 1920s
One of the most successful sports in Australian history, cycling, is approaching a milestone of 100 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
By CA/Amy McCann & David Tarbotton
After three gold on night one of competition at the Gold Coast 2018 Games, Australia’s tally is now at 99.
The journey of medals commenced at the second Empire Games in London in 1934 when Edgar ‘Dunc’ Gray won the 1000 yards track time trial. Later in the London program he withdrew from the 10 miles event with a puncture. Gray was recognised ahead of the Sydney Olympics, with the naming of the cycling venue, the Dunc Gray Velodrome.
Similarly, Anna Meares, the most successful women’s cyclist in Commonwealth history with five gold medals, is recognised with the 2018 Commonwealth Games venue named the Anna Meares Velodrome.
The most decorated men’s gold medallist is Brad McGee, also with five gold, played a key part in the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Games, when he was one of the last baton bearers.
Statistics on the 99 gold medals achieved to-date.
Most gold medals:
- 5 Anna Meares
- 5 Brad McGee
Australia’s – most success events:
- Men sprint – 15 wins
- Men 1000m Time Trial – 13 wins
Disciplines:
- 17 road
- 82 track
Australia have won all four women’s 500m Time Trial events conducted in Games history
Australia – first gold medal: 1934 Dunc Gray who won the track Time Trial
The Australian cycling team will today contest the Women’s 3000m Individual Pursuit and Sprint and Men’s 4000m Individual Pursuit and Keirin in the race to the 10oth gold.
