Brisbane, Australia 1982
The Brisbane Games are still hailed as one of the very best. Everything went so well from the moment Matilda, a 13-metre mechanical kangaroo, helped out with the opening ceremony. Once again, a boycott was avoided and the sun shone throughout the duration of the XII Games.
Forty-six nations participated in the Brisbane Games with a new record total of 1,583 athletes and 571 officials. As hosts, Australia headed the medal table leading the way ahead of England, Canada, Scotland and New Zealand respectively.
Ten sports featured at the Brisbane Games:
- Aquatics (diving & swimming)
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Lawn bowls
- Shooting
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Scotland took a team of 101 athletes and 24 officials and for the team of four Archers this was a momentous occasion as it was the sport’s first time in the Games.
After facing the possibility of a much reduced team size due to the cost of travel to these the first Games in Australia since Perth in 1962, the national fundraising programme led by Stewart Coghill resulted in a team of the original size doing Scotland proud including winning battles with organisers on the standard of accommodation.
The Brisbane Games saw an impressive 26 medals won, equalling the best ever Scottish performance at that time and including a record number of eight Gold medals. This was particularly meritorious considering the seasonal changes and distance from Scotland. Other events of note during the Games saw the election of Peter Heatly to the position of Commonwealth Games Federation President.
Go to Scotland's Highlights for details of the team's outstanding performance in Brisbane.