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Sunday, 26th March 2006

The 18th Commonwealth Games are over. Melbourne has been the location; the best athletes from 71 nations throughout the world have been the stars.

We may have seen Australia top the medal table, but Jersey has more than played its part in the drama and excitement of these Friendly Games.

Melbourne has been the perfect sporting host. From its fantastic array of stadiums to its friendly people and helpful collection of volunteers, Melbourne has given us its all.

Hundreds of thousands of people have watched arguably the best Commonwealth Games ever. The stadiums have been full, the noise levels almost unbearable and the performance of the athletes has surpassed all expectations.

It has been a privilege to share the infectious air that athletes' breath, as they mingled in the relaxed atmosphere of the athletes' village. Team Jersey was united, sharing mealtimes and laughs as they geared up to compete against the best athletes from the Commonwealth. And they didn't look out of place.

For eleven days of competition Team Jersey more than held its own. The three bronze medal play-offs, from the ladies' bowls team and badminton's Liz Cann, were some of the closest matches of the Games.

The tears of frustration and disappointment we witnessed after those matches really brought home just how much it means for Jersey's athletes to compete at this level.

They hadn't turned up for a jolly or to roll over when the competition got tough; they were here to win. Three times they were just inches away from a podium place, but at this level inches may as well be miles. Sport can be so cruel.

Jersey may not be going home with any medals, but medals don't tell the full story of these Games.

With the might of Australia, England and Canada up against smaller nations such as the Niue Islands, the Cook Islands and, of course, Jersey, at times these Games are more like David versus Goliath.

Goliath may have won on this occasion, but Team Jersey has gained so much more. It was an opportunity to show the world that this tiny island exists, that it carries itself with dignity and pride, and that it has talented athletes who can compete with the best of them.

The emotion, the drama, the elation and the near misses, this is what makes sport so compelling. And this what we've all experienced over the past eleven days.

Roll on Delhi in 2010.