Jersey’s superb showing at the 2nd Commonwealth Youth Games

6th November 2004

The Team of competitors and officials returned to Jersey on Monday 6th November jubilant with their performances during the three days of competition at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games held in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

They returned with four medals – Gold for Daniel Halksworth in swimming in the 400m individual medley and silver in the 200m individual medley and for athlete Lauren Therin a bronze medal in both the discus and the javelin, and the Jersey Team finishing in tenth place in the 25 nation medal table.

Although not returning home with medals, swimmers Ashley Cope (800m and 1500m Freestyle), Rosie Barrett (1500m Freestyle and 400m Individual Medley) and Amy Pallot (200m Butterfly) all made their respective finals and the Jersey girls combined to secure 7 th place in timed relay finals in the 4 x 100m Freestyle; the 4 x 100 Medley; and the 4 x 200m Freestyle events. An excellent all round team performance from the Jersey swimmers under the leadership of their Team Manager, Paul Du Feu.

Cyclist, Richard Tanguy, showed his huge potential in staying with the leading group of cyclists in the 96 km Road Race and finishing in 9th place in what he considered to be ‘the fastest race I’ve ever done!’.

The only disappointment for the Team throughout the whole period of their visit occurred in athletics during the 100m heats when Jersey’s Stephen Prosser collapsed in a heap with a hamstring injury as he was leading the other six runners. Of all times to have your first pulled muscle, this must have been the worst possible occasion for Stephen in his short athletics career.

The following quotes extracted from Jersey Evening Post reports which provided comprehensive coverage of the Games include -:

Before we even left Jersey I really thought that we might have a chance of winning a medal. To get the full set plus a second bronze has been fantastic. I think this week has opened the eyes of our youngsters. They have discovered what they are capable of.

Paul Huddlestone – General Team Manager

I was just pleased to get into the finals. Before coming to Bendigo, I had no idea about the standard of competition. We had a full house every night and I’ve even been asked for autographs – I reckon I’ve signed 30 at least!

Daniel Halksworth – 400m Individual Medley gold medallist and 200m IM silver medallist

If anyone had any doubts as to the value of the Commonwealth Youth Games for Jersey athletes they had only to look first to the final medal table and second to the views of all eight competitors taking part.

Chris Lake – Jersey Evening Post Sports Reporter