Australia At The Commonwealth Games
Australia became independent of the United Kingdom in 1901 and officially became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931 under the Statute of Westminster.
Australia first competed at the Games, then titled the British Empire Games, in 1930; and is one of only six countries to have sent athletes to every Commonwealth Games. The others are Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales.
Four of the 18 games have been hosted by Australia, and the city of Gold Coast will be hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Australia has placed first at 12 out of the 19 games (compared with England 6 and Canada 1) and has been in the top three for all meets except the first games in 1930.
After the 2006 Games, Australia was first in the All-time medal tally.
In all but one of the 18 Commonwealth Games held so far (excluding the 1978 Games), the Australian flag bearer has gone on to win a gold medal.
Read more about Australia At The Commonwealth Games: Numbers of Athletes and Sports, Australian Records Achieved At Commonwealth Games, List of Ceremony Flag Bearers
Famous quotes containing the words australia, commonwealth and/or games:
“I like Australia less and less. The hateful newness, the democratic conceit, every man a little pope of perfection.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“Honorable Senators: My sincerest thanks I offer you. Conserve the firm foundations of our institutions. Do your work with the spirit of a soldier in the public service. Be loyal to the Commonwealth and to yourselves and be brief; above all be brief.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)
“In 1600 the specialization of games and pastimes did not extend beyond infancy; after the age of three or four it decreased and disappeared. From then on the child played the same games as the adult, either with other children or with adults. . . . Conversely, adults used to play games which today only children play.”
—Philippe Ariés (20th century)