Benonians ready to glitter on the Gold Coast
There will be some Benoni flavour at the Commonwealth Games.
A 169-member national team across 16 sporting codes was announced by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) on January 30 for the Commonwealth Games taking place on Australia’s Gold Coast in April.
Team South Africa athletes will do battle across 16 codes, including para-sports athletics, lawn bowls, swimming, table tennis and powerlifting.
Three Benonians will be among those 169 members competing in Australia, namely Jethro Eustice (men’s hockey), Colleen Piketh (lawn bowls) and Michelle Butler-Emmett (badminton).
The City Times caught up with each athlete to gauge their feelings ahead of the sporting showpiece.
Jethro Eustice
“I represented Team SA at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and it was a great experience,” said the former Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey player.
“I didn’t quite understand the magnitude of the Games before then, but after spending 15 days in Glasgow with the other sportspeople of Team SA, I realised how massive the event actually is.
“I think the Games on the Gold Coast will blow everybody’s minds.
“My excitement levels are sky high, and I cannot wait to see what happens in Australia.”
Colleen Piketh
A singles bronze medallist and pairs gold medallist from Glasgow 2014, the Rynfield resident is aiming to bring more medals home from the 2018 showpiece in Australia.
“I am chuffed and proud to again be representing the country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“This will be my fourth Commonwealth Games and I am striving to improve on the success from last time.”
Michelle Butler-Emmett
The Farrarmere resident, who trains at the John Barrable Hall, will be participating in her first Commonwealth Games, in the doubles and mixed doubles badminton events.
“I have been working incredibly hard for many years towards earning selection for the Commonwealth Games, which has been the biggest goal for me,” said the former Wordsworth High School learner.
“I have been playing badminton for about 20 years and will bring some experience to what is quite a young group of players.”
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