What A Show!

The Games have come and gone but, as Callum Twomey reports, they won't be forgotten anytime soon.

The Commonwealth Games are over, and what a successful 12 days it has been.

Beautiful weather, outstanding Australian performances and excellent crowds have all been aspects of the Games that have made them thrive so well.

But what else would you expect? This is Melbourne we are talking about here, not only the most liveable city in the world, but the sports capital of this planet as well.

Melbourne has put on a show and everyone came to watch.

Libby Lenton and co. made the first half of the performance more than enjoyable, the girls sweeping the floor in the pool. Lenton’s bright smile will forever remain a picture of the time the show hit Melbourne. Even without main attractions Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe, the show must go on and so it did, in spectacular fashion.

What led to the half time interval was even more inspiring than Lenton’s grin. Kerryn McCann, entering a full coliseum, overcame any pain to record a marathon victory. Undoubtedly it was the highlight of the first half of the show.

After the interval, as people resumed their positions in seats and aisles alike, Craig Mottram had his turn to thrill the audience. Unfortunately, he was unable to take home the best performance gong, but he lost no friends along the way.

Next up was John Steffensen, this wiry, charismatic and likable type performing better than he ever had. His joy after his feat was indeed one of exhilaration, and he could possibly be counted on to provide his chosen field with some much needed energy.

Of course it would be remiss to forget the exploits of Jana Pittman. Overcoming nationwide pressure and scrutiny, she gleefully overcame every hurdle to accomplish something memorable.

Royalty observed, politicians beamed, Lord Mayors giggled and world leaders applauded as this show rolled on to many different venues across the state. Of course, at the forefront was the MCG, this massive construction now complete, and looking most stunning.

Although there was no encore from Delta Goodrem in the latter end of this great production, Paul Kelly and mates did the job. Kelly is right, from little things big things grow, and Games Organiser Ron Walker would agree, this show has gone from strength to strength dating right back to when Melbourne were announced as the 2006 host city.

The Melbourne Commonwealth Games was a resounding success on all fronts. Crowd attendance was high, opening and closing ceremonies were spectacular, Australian athletes performed at an incredible standard and the city was a buzz.

When the first fish on the Yarra River lit up that Wednesday night, so did the city. Melbournians don’t just love sport; they live it.

The show came, and the show conquered.

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