Commonwealth Games: Closing ceremony ‘disappoints’ athletes

Commonwealth Games athletes say decision to exclude them from a live stadium entry left a dark cloud over their experience.

Bored athletes sit at the back of the stadium during the performances of the closing ceremony of the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Picture: AAP

Departing athletes have spoken of their disappointment at not being included in the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony overnight, saying the decision to exclude them from a live stadium entry broadcast left a dark cloud over their experience.

Commonwealth Games gold medal winning basketballer Angus Brandt appeared on Seven’s Sunrise program this morning following the Boomers 87-47 gold medal victory over Canada on Sunday.

MORE: Comment — Peter Beattie has insulted nation’s athletes

Mr Brandt said the team had been looking forward to appearing with the other athletes after missing the opening ceremony due to games commitments in Cairns.

“We were looking forward to being part of the Closing Ceremony and being recognised for what we had done in the games,” Mr Brandt said.

“It sort of felt like we were left out a little bit and it was a shame the flag bearer wasn’t recognised”

Basketballer Angus Brandt on the #GC2018 #ClosingCeremony controversy. pic.twitter.com/AdDbHRRXDF

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) April 15, 2018

“We sort of walked in there and we weren’t really sure what was happening and then realised we had been brought in before the broadcast had begun”.

Mr Brandt said the realisation had left the athletes feeling excluded.

“It was a little disappointing with the athletes being brought in before the actual ceremony began,” Mr Brandt said.

“It sort of felt like we were left out a little bit. It was a shame that the flag-bearer wasn’t recognised”.

When asked if he agreed with Commonwealth Games chairman Peter Beattie’s excuse that athletes had been brought in for their welfare and comfort, Mr Brandt didn’t seem convinced.

“I mean, I think either way, there was going to be a lot of standing round,” he said.

“At this point in the Games, standing around isn’t really the biggest concern considering all of the stuff athletes are taking part in”.

Athletes are seen sitting down during the closing ceremony of the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Picture: AAP

Many athletes left the opening ceremony early to return to the village while others remained for the performances and speeches, with photos showing bored members of the Australian team sitting on the ground. Photos of the stadium also showed hundreds of empty seats.

Politicians have also expressed their disappointment on social media over the bungled event, including former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

“Yeah just watched closing ceremony and sorry someone has got to answer for that,” Mr Joyce wrote.

“It was apart from that a great games”.

Yeah just watched closing ceremony and sorry someone has got to answer for that. It was apart from that a great games

— Barnaby Joyce (@Barnaby_Joyce) April 15, 2018

Veteran Affairs Minister Darren Chester offered an alternative ending to the Commonwealth Games on Twitter.

“Surely Johnny Farnham could’ve ridden Winx on a lap of honour and closed the Commonwealth Games?” Mr Chester wrote.

“Would’ve saved us all a lot of pain,

“After the social media outrage dies down, let’s not forget the amazing athletes and their families - so many great stories of hope and determination”.

Surely Johnny Farnham could’ve ridden Winx on a lap of honour and closed the Commonwealth Games? Would’ve saved us all a lot of pain. After the social media outrage dies down, let’s not forget the amazing athletes & their families - so many great stories of hope & determination

— Darren Chester MP (@DarrenChesterMP) April 15, 2018