Our athletes set to share Comm Games spotlight

LET the Commonwealth Games begin.

Villanova's Patrick Tiernan reacts as he approaches the finish line in the men's NCAA Division I Cross-Country Championships Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Terre Haute, Ind. Tiernan won the race. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings). Picture: Darron Cummings

OUR SAY: LET the Commonwealth Games begin.

Today marks the official start of a major sporting event years in the making - the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games - and the Darling Downs will feature heavily.

From running and rugby to netball and throwing we've got more than a few athletes competing and it's safe to say a few medal hopefuls.

The "return” of Laura Geitz from motherhood to Australian Diamonds duties has held the spotlight but it doesn't take away anything from our other representatives.

Thrower Matt Denny will be a medal hopeful alongside Lara Neilsen and Pat Tiernan. Our numerous rugby sevens girls are surely in with a great shot as well.

I'll also have a soft spot for the Canadian boxing team whose final preparations were right here in Toowoomba.

But let's not forget what the Games are truly about.

An opportunity for the Commonwealth's best to test themselves and set a positive example for their peers and sport fans.

I've always loved the Commonwealth Games for their friendly atmosphere and good sportsmanship.

Fingers crossed our "crew” come home with a medals - a fitting reward for their dedication to better themselves through sport.

Originally published as Our athletes set to share Comm Games spotlight