Tales of tragedy, grit and determination from the Games

BY the time Malaysia wakes up to read this article, the Malaysian contingent may have picked up their first medal from men’s team sprint in cycling or probably be just hours away from the first podium celebration in Birmingham via weightlifting.Athletes from 54 nations and 18 territories have flocked to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games with a common dream – to return home with a medal around their neck.

In many ways, this is a “woke” Games. The women have been given priority – there are more medal events for women (135) than men (133) – and so have athletes of different sizes and abilities. This Games is the only multi-sport event that promotes equal standing for able-bodied sports and para-sport events.