Home Advantage Adds To Excitement

The Age

Thursday March 16, 2006

Kieren Perkins

Vegemite and Vita-Brits lend village comfort

THIS is it - game time. Last night's opening ceremony marks the start of one of the great sporting festivals, and all of our athletes are ready to go.

The athletes who attended the ceremony will still be buzzing with excitement, while those who stayed in the village because of early competition schedules didn't miss out altogether. I've done both, and while actually marching is one of the proudest moments in an athlete's life, watching the ceremony from the village isn't bad either.

The athletes in the village congregate and watch proceedings like those of you at home, and when the team enters the arena the sense of pride is overwhelming. To be a part of the Australian team is an achievement like few others, and my memories of the way the Australian cricket team enjoyed its Commonwealth Games experience in Kuala Lumpur is evidence enough.

I never imagined Steve Waugh would go out of his way to socialise with the other athletes; he was like a teenager at his first event, he was that excited.

More than anything, though, after the opening ceremony let's us all forget the pre-games problems and concentrate on the next 10 days of sporting excellence. I'm excited because our swimmers will once again lead the way.

This excitement is strengthened by the home-ground advantage the Aussies have. It tends to have a comforting effect on athletes; you wake up in the morning and your Vita-Brits are there, Vegemite isn't a problem, and the radio plays your favourite song. Before you know it, the meeting is here and you're confident and content with the challenges ahead.

At least it worked that way for me. Some athletes find the extra attention overwhelming and buckle under the perceived pressure.

There has been much talk about the loss of Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe, and contrary to what some might lead you to believe, Ian and I have no personal issues. His loss to the team is immense in personal terms, but professionally his teammates are ready to swim and win.

The highlights for me? Libby Lenton and Jodie Henry facing off in the 100 metres freestyle on Saturday - how much will come off the record this time? Others to get excited about are all of the breaststroke events, in particular the events that include the rejuvenated Liesel Jones.

And a personal favourite is Jo Fargus, possibly the first athlete to compete in consecutive home Commonwealth Games, after gaining Australian citizenship following the Manchester Games, in which she picked up a silver for the England.

Our men's team will have challenges, but not impossible ones. Michael Klim is at home and getting stronger every day. Matt Welsh is a proven big-event racer; he always swims well when it counts. Jim Piper broke the Commonwealth record at the trials.

A couple of young names to watch are Andrew Lauterstein and Brenton Rickard, while my personal favourites are war horses Brett Hawke and Adam Pine, who will swim in possibly their last meeting.

Despite the fact that two favourite sons are not swimming, all is not lost. Our young men have the chance to make their mark, and some women will be identified among the best swimming talent Australia has produced. Overall, this will be yet another great Australian team.

© 2006 The Age

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