1986 was a home games albeit with a predominantly Scottish crowd and it was a brilliant atmosphere. There were big Scottish and Welsh contingents as well as the English, when usually if you travel a long way to the Games their teams can be smaller, which meant that … Continue Reading→
I am quite the worst person to write about the eighth British Empire and Commonwealth Games as it was known then, held in the third world capital of Jamaica, Kingston. Quite the worst as I was the only English swimmer not to make it to a final. I had … Continue Reading→
There was some official trepidation about the game being held in Jamaica - a country of economic disadvantage and Third-World conditions. I certainly didn't share the unease; the name Jamaica after all had a magic ring to it. Harry Belafonte was singing his poignant "Jamaica Farewell" back … Continue Reading→
The England team for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games was confirmed yesterday, with the expected 25 swimmers now certain to make the trip down under in March. Loughborough University provides the bulk of the squad with twelve representatives, while 7 swimmers will make their senior international debut in a long course event. The youngest of … Continue Reading→
As far as swims go I suppose Brian Brinkley winning a major title in the 200m fly must be one of the highlights from an English perspective, though I wasn't able to share in the excitement as I was in the same race - some way behind although just … Continue Reading→
1986 was a home games albeit with a predominantly Scottish crowd and it was a brilliant atmosphere. There were big Scottish and Welsh contingents as well as the English, when usually if you travel a long way to the Games their teams can be smaller, which meant that … Continue Reading→