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Athletics Australia and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association are pleased to announce the selection policy for the Athletics section of the 2006 Commonwealth games.
The Melbourne Commonwealth Games, will be the biggest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics and the Rugby World Cup and track and field will be one of the showcase events.
"The selectors have developed a policy to give as many Australian athletes an opportunity to represent their country at a home Games and we look forward to selecting our biggest team ever," said Athletics Australia CEO Danny Corcoran.
Australia’s previous largest team was 86 for the Auckland Commonwealth Games, while other home games have had team sizes of 86 (1962-Perth), 75 (1938-Sydney) and 74 (1982-Brisbane). The size of the track and field team at the Sydney Olympics was 86 – the equal largest ever Australian track and field team.
"The policy outlines Athletics Australia's desire to see all of our leading athletes compete on home soil and assist with the development and promotion of our sport in the lead up to next year's Commonwealth Games," said Corcoran.
Since the 1950 Games, the track and field team has never placed lower then second. In the 14 Games since 1950, Australia and England have shared the honours with seven wins each. At the home Games in Melbourne next March, Australia has a great opportunity to win back the title they surrendered in 2002, by just one medal.
In addition to the challenge from arch-rival England, Australia will receive good competition from South Africia, Canada, Kenya and Jamaica. But one of the biggest threats is the growing depth in India. The host of the 2010 Commowealth Games (New Delhi), won a mere two medals at the 2002 games, but since 2001 have moved up 35 places on the IAAF Country rankings.
To download the full 2006 Commonwealth Games Selection Policy click here.
sourceAthletics Australia
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