Commonwealth Games 2022: Australia’s 1000 gold medals relegates England to No.2
Australia is officially the greatest sporting nation in the Commonwealth, with undeniable gold medal proof relegating England to our little sibling. SEE EVERY MEDAL HERE
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Need proof Australia is the best nation in the Commonwealth?
Here’s 1000 of them.
Australia on Sunday became the first country to crack the 1000-gold medal milestone at the Commonwealth Games when the Diamonds defeated Jamaica to claim their fourth title.
The countdown was on in earnest on Sunday as Australians across Birmingham chipped away at the incredible record.
Australian 2022 Team Chef de Mission, Petria Thomas, said Birmingham was a momentous occasion for Australia and the Games.
“Australia has a long and proud sporting history, with this 1,000th gold medal cementing our spot at the top of the Commonwealth table,” Thomas who contributed nine of gold medals in a stellar career over three Games.
“On behalf of the whole team I congratulate the Diamonds in bringing home this significant medal in our amazing history and all those who have stood atop the podium at this year’s Games and all the Games, dating back to Hamilton in 1930.
“Sitting in the stands today, watching our athletes fight for every point, every move, and every run made me feel so proud.
“It is an honour to lead this team and watch our Aussies shine both on and off the field. I am so proud of each and every athlete, coach and our hard working support staff who have contributed to our extraordinary Games record.”
The Aussies have spent the past 10 days dominating rival nations to sit comfortably atop the medal tally since making a splash at the swimming.
But this time the race was against themselves.
Australia arrived in Birmingham needing 66 golds, and going into the penultimate day of competition that was down to just seven.
Georgia Baker kicked things off on Sunday, winning the women’s road race.
Kelsey-Lee Barber pipped teammate Mackenzie Little in the final of the women’s javelin. Men’s volleyballers Chris McHugh and Paul Burnett did their part, toppling Canada.
When Cassiel Rousseau took gold in the 10m platform with an exhilarating final dive – scoring 103.60 - the historic mark was in reach.
Just three more to go – with our all-conquering netball and cricket teams looming large in the evening session.
The cricketers held on, beating India by nine runs, minutes after Maddison Keeney took out the 3m springboard final.
And then there was lucky last: and it was a race between the Diamonds, and the women’s beach volleyball pairing.
The pairing of Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy were delayed by nearly 20 minutes after a late-finishing bronze medal match before them.
And when Australia led by six goals at the last break in the netball, history was in their sights.
Led by a stellar shooting performance from Gretel Bueta, they ran away with the storied medal.
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