SW athletes go for gold in Glasgow

The South West will be well represented at this year’s Commonwealth Games which kicks off today, with two locally-raised athletes gunning for gold in Glasgow.

Ryan Bailie will race today in the men’s individual triathlon and Jayde Taylor will help the Hockeyroos defend their Commonwealth Games title.

Bailie is competing in his first Games and is a genuine early medal hope. The triathlon final is one of the first events of the games.

Bailie said it was a huge honour to represent his country at any given chance.

“As a kid growing up ‘the big’ games are the ones you always dream of and I was no different, ” he said.

“It’s unreal to finally be in the village and be preparing for my first major games.

“I have no real expectations – I’m just focused on what I need to do to give myself the best opportunity to be up the pointy end.”

The 24-year-old said he always loved racing in big events.

“Who wouldn’t?” he said.

“I travel the world doing what I love and am always chasing the sun. Sure, there is pressure constantly on you to perform but it’s like that with any other job.”

Taylor, 29, already has a Commonwealth Games medal in her trophy cabinet from 2010 in Dehli and has just finished her campaign at this year’s World Cup where the Hockeyroos were runners-up to hosts the Netherlands.

The Hockeyroos have been drawn in Pool B and face stiff competition with games against Malaysia, Wales, Scotland and England.

“As a kid growing up ‘the big’ games are the ones you always dream of and I was no different”— Ryan Bailie