The highly anticipated Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off with Lauren Bates of Australia winning the first gold medal of the Games in the Women’s Cycling – Time Trial. Hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the energy-sapping race saw Bates scorch around the 10km course in 14:09.31, with compatriot, Keira Will, taking silver and Ruby Oakes of Isle of Man the bronze medal. “It’s amazing. It’s insane. I’m so stoked to come away with a medal and seeing all the other nations here as well, it’s so cool. Learning all the cultures, it’s such a good experience,” said Bates.
Miles Bailey Liebenberg, from South Africa just pipped Scotland’s Elliot Rowe to the men’s title, winning by 3.39s in a time of 19:17.62 over the 15km course.
“I made sure to pace myself. It was really hot, so I kept myself and my core temperature cool and from then I didn’t know what to expect, just pace myself and I’m happy to take the win,” said Liebenberg.
Australia claimed another medal on a successful day for their team, with Will Heath picking up the bronze medal.
Young athletes from 68 Commonwealth Nations and Territories have gathered across the twin islands to showcase their talent and sportsmanship. A stepping stone for future sporting champions, the Youth Games provides a platform for talented youth athletes aged 14 to 18 to test their skills and abilities on an international stage.
This year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable, in the Games’ history, with seven sports being contested – Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling (Road and Track), Triathlon, FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, and Beach Volleyball.
Over in Tobago, the beautiful beach of Black Rock hosted the start of the Beach Volleyball competition where defending women’s champions Australia and men’s champions England kicked off their title defences.
Rwanda, who won their first-ever medal at a Games and Youth Games, when they secured bronze in the Women’s Beach Volleyball in 2017, were also in action on Day One.
CGF CEO, Katie Sadleir, commented: “After last night’s dazzling Opening Ceremony, it was fantastic to see the Sport Programme get underway today, with the Cycling Individual Time Trial and the beginning of the Beach Volleyball competition at the stunning Black Rock. We are immensely proud of all who took part today and especially Lauren Bates and Miles Bailey Liebenberg for winning the first gold medals of Trinbago 2023.” As the opening day concludes, the focus now shifts to Day Two, where the excitement continues with the start of the Swimming, Triathlon and Rugby Sevens, as well as the continuation of the Beach Volleyball.
For more information and updates visit: Trinbago2023.com and follow their social posts #trinbago2023
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