Commonwealth Games can restore pride in Australian sport after cricket cheating scandal

AUSTRALIA’S Comm Games competitors have the chance to restore the country’s pride on the back of the cricket cheating scandal that has left a disillusioned public questioning whether athletes can be considered role models.

AUSTRALIA’S Commonwealth Games competitors - led by the flag bearer and captain - have the chance to restore the country’s pride on the back of the cricket cheating scandal that has left a disillusioned public questioning whether athletes should be considered role models.

Commonwealth Games chef de mission Steve Moneghetti denied the ball tampering scandal that has seen the Australian cricket team labelled cheats had sucked the oxygen from the Games festivities just over a week out from the opening ceremony.

“The timing is out of our control and that’s not going to detract from my enjoyment of seeing this team come together,” he said.

Boxer Shelley Watts gutted after missing qualification for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games 2018: 1982 champ Tracey Wickham honoured to present 400m freestyle medals

Commonwealth Games can help Australian sport in wake of cricket scandal

The Australia Boxing team pose after being the first Australian Team arrival at Gold Coast

“If anything, I’m looking at the positives and it’s an opportunity for them to really ... do some great things for the sporting culture of Australia.

“There’ll be some great stories about what Australians are doing in ... their performances, but (also) the way they conduct themselves and the sporting culture that Australia represents here at the Games.

“And it’s incumbent upon (our athletes) to take on that mantle and practice what we preach.”

That culture will be led by the flag bearer, who will be named on April 2 at the offical team reception and will act as captain for the Australian team.

While Moneghetti said the flag bearer had not yet been decided, Gold Coaster Sally Pearson is among the standout candidates.

Bronte and Kate Campbell .Swim team for the Commonwealth games. Pic Annette Dew

Whoever the athlete is, they have what Moneghetti regards as a sterling opportunity to display traits he believes are representative of Australian sport.

“The flag bearer doesn’t only carry the flag in front of the team at the opening ceremony, they’re in a leadership role,” he said.

“By the nature of that, they’re the team captain.

“So within that, comes responsibilities but also opportunity to lead, stand up and display some characteristics that we think are more representative of Australian sport.”

The first Australian athletes headed into the village on Monday, including boxers Skye Nicholson and Jason Whateley.

The pair said they were at the Games to do a job and refused to buy into any talk about the cricket.

“We’re just going to go out there and do what Aussies do and give it our all,” Whateley said.

Gold Coaster Nicholson said the cricket scandal would not detract from the Games.

“I think we’re here to do our job and we’re not going to let any negative outside things affect us and we’re here to win gold for Australia.”

Originally published as Commonwealth Games can restore pride in Australian sport after cricket cheating scandal