Maroons bring home gold – and smash records

Queensland Academy of Sport athletes have set a cracking pace at the Commonwealth Games, bringing home seven medals on the first day of competition – almost half the Australian haul of 15.

Sports Minister Mick de Brenni said the result underline the success of the QAS’s elite pathways for producing champion athletes, with the results for the day including two world records.

“Queensland is the state of sun, surf and sand, so swimming is second nature for most Queensland kids,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s not surprising that QAS athletes perform so strongly in the pool, and yesterday’s results are no exception.

“I want to offer massive congratulations to the women’s 4x100 relay team – Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell, Shayna Jack and Emma McKeon for their incredible efforts.

“Not only did they bag the gold, they’ve smashed the world record and Queensland couldn’t be prouder of them.

“And I just want to point out that Emma’s gold medal effort was her second medal of the day.

“Just a couple of hours earlier, she picked up bronze in the 200 metres freestyle, alongside team mate Ariarne Titmus who won silver with a personal best performance of 1:54:85.”

Mr de Brenni said QAS para-athletes Liam Schluter and Daniel Fox also scored a brace, taking out silver and bronze respectively in the Mens S14 200 metres freestyle.

“I also want to congratulate silver medallist Jack McLoughlin on his first international medal – what an outstanding effort.

“Seven more Queenslanders qualified for the finals in swimming, so that’s seven more medal chances that I’ll be keeping a close eye on.”

QAS chair and former Commonwealth gold medallist Bronwyn Thompson added her congratulations, and said yesterday’s results highlighted the success of Queensland’s approach to developing elite athletes.

“It’s so exciting to see that as a state, we’ve already been able to achieve seven of Australia’s 15 medals so far,” Ms Thompson said.

“And I’m very excited about continuing that success as a state.

“We have world class facilities, and such amazing support staff and training pathways – I’m looking forward to continuing to be part of that medal tally.”

Mr de Brenni said the cycling events at Anna Meares Velodrome last night were thrilling, with QAS cyclist Jordan Kerby winning the Mens 4000m team pursuit.

“Jordan’s time of 3:49:804 was fast enough to earn him the gold, but it’s also earned him a place in the record books with a new world record.

“Just like his medal, his place in history will last forever.”