The 2018 Commonwealth Games: All You Need to Know
What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The games are held every four years and are the third largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympics and the Asian Games.
History of the Commonwealth Games
The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. The games were originally known as the British Empire Games and were only open to athletes from British colonies and dominions.
In 1954, the games were renamed the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In 1970, the games were renamed the Commonwealth Games.
Participating Countries
The Commonwealth Games are open to all 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The largest contingent of athletes typically comes from England, Australia, and Canada.
Sports
The Commonwealth Games feature a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, cycling, gymnastics, and weightlifting. The games also include a number of para-sports for athletes with disabilities.
Venues
The 2018 Commonwealth Games were held in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The games were held at a number of venues, including the Carrara Stadium, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Optus Stadium.
Medal Winners
Australia was the most successful country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of 198 medals, including 80 gold medals. England was second with 136 medals, including 45 gold medals. Canada was third with 82 medals, including 39 gold medals.
Highlights of the 2018 Commonwealth Games
The 2018 Commonwealth Games were a memorable event, with a number of highlights, including:
- The opening ceremony, which featured a spectacular fireworks display and a performance by Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins.
- The athletics competition, which saw a number of world records broken, including the men's 100-meter sprint by Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake.
- The swimming competition, which saw Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus win four gold medals.
- The cycling competition, which saw England's Geraint Thomas win the men's road race.
- The gymnastics competition, which saw Australian gymnast Simone Biles win four gold medals.
Legacy of the 2018 Commonwealth Games
The 2018 Commonwealth Games left a lasting legacy on the Gold Coast. The games helped to raise the profile of the city and boost the local economy.
The games also inspired a number of new sporting initiatives, including the creation of the Gold Coast Sports Academy. The academy is a world-class training facility for elite athletes.
Conclusion
The 2018 Commonwealth Games were a successful event that showcased the best of sport and culture from across the Commonwealth. The games left a lasting legacy on the Gold Coast and inspired a new generation of athletes.
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