Delving into all things Commonwealth Games between now and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
We recap the week that was, chat to a Games star of the past, present or future and take a look at the week ahead for our Commonwealth Games aspirants.
EPISODE 12: World Athletics Champs
Dave Culbert checks in from the IAAF World Championships and talks to up-and-coming pole-vaulter Kurtis Marschall, Youth Games flag-bearer Riley Day and marathon groundbreaker Jess Trengove.
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Kurtis Marschall is firming as a Commonwealth Games favourite in the pole vault after securing a seventh place finish at the IAAF World Championships in London.
Marschall says hearing that dual Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Steve Hooker has touted him ‘the man’, has given him confidence ahead of the Gold Coast Games.
“Originally I was just looking forward to qualifying for my first Commonwealth Games, but knowing Steve Hooker and knowing his credentials in the event and thinking that I’ve got a chance in it and going in ranked first in the Commonwealth… it’s a pretty surreal feeling,” he said.
“I can actually go over there knowing that I have the ability to win this thing, which is unparalleled. You can’t even compare that to going into a major championships in any other position. I’ve never been into a major championships like that and knowing that sort of pressure is on my back.”
“I think having the home crowd behind me and having my family and friends around me I think I’ll be able to overcome that and use the atmosphere and channel the energy and then just hopefully come out and win it.”
Riley Day has revealed where she was when she got to call-up to attend the London Championships.
“I got the call while I was at work visiting everyone and I didn’t say anything for ten minutes because I was just in such shock,” she told Dave Culbert.
“I didn’t think I had a chance at all. Last time I saw Ella [Connolly] when she was going to London I was like I’ll watch you on TV, run hard and good luck. Not in a million years did I think I’d be coming here and running in the 200.”
The Commonwealth Youth Games flag-bearer says the experience has left her wanting more.
“It gives me a real taste of what could potentially be in the future. I guess it makes me work hard so it’s given me that drive to get stronger, become faster and just hopefully make it into the Comm Games in 2018.”
Jess Trengove has spoken about her love for the green and gold after becoming the first Australian woman to achieve a top ten marathon finish at a World Championships.
“I love team Australia and I love wearing the green and gold and I always know that if I’ve lined up well-prepared and I’m in that green and gold uniform it will bring out the toughest mental characteristics. It’s just such a special thing to represent your country.”
The Glasgow bronze medalist explained that keeping up with the lead pack brought the best out in her.
“In prior marathons I’ve found myself trying to draw inspiration from little messages or things that I’ve seen or affirmations, quotes in my head. I didn’t have to do any of that in this race – I was just there and enjoying the moment. Obviously pain comes in but when you’re actually racing other people next to you it sort of distracts you from some of that pain,” she said.