Tasmania’s Commonwealth Games athletes have given us all a great sense of pride and ensured the state is never left off the map.
Three of our seven athletes who competed at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow won medals, compared to one at the previous Games in India.
Today’s welcome home reception for our athletes is a great chance to celebrate their sporting success.
Cyclist Amy Cure set the bar for our Games success, winning silver on day one of competition in the 3,000 metre Individual Pursuit, before securing a bronze just a day later in the 10 kilometre Scratch Race.
Javelin champion Hamish Peacock was next on the podium, winning bronze following the second longest throw of his career.
Giving a golden glow to our Games was hockey star Eddie Ockenden, who scored the Kookaburra’s fourth goal in the final against India to secure an emphatic win.
Australia has won gold in hockey at every Commonwealth Games since it was introduced in 1998, and a Tasmanian has been a part of every team.
It caps a golden year for the 27-year-old, who was part of Australia’s back-to-back World Cup winning team and successive Olympic bronze medal winning side.
I also congratulate our Games debutants; boxers Jackson Woods and Nick Cooney and track and field athlete Hew Peacock, and two-times Games athlete Launceston weightlifter Jenner Myers.
To represent both Tasmania and the country is a great honour and I’m sure all Tasmanians would join me in thanking our athletes for their hard work and commitment. Each has represented the state proudly.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Sport and Recreation
