A striking set of gold, silver and bronze medals for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games were spectacularly unveiled before 700 guests at a Gold Coast 2018 Charity Gala and Medal Reveal at The Star, Gold Coast on November 4th.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC said tonight’s Medal Reveal was another significant milestone in the lead-up to the Games which commence on 4 April 2018.
The medals were designed by Queensland-based Indigenous artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and have been brought to life by the Royal Australian Mint, the official supporter and producer of the GC2018 medals.
Above: The Gold Coast 2018 medals
With a diameter of 63mm, each medal will be minted in the Royal Australian Mint’s largest coin press and inspected individually by hand to ensure the finest quality medals are presented to all Commonwealth Games winners and place getters. Approximately 1,500 medals will be created for the Games.
GC2018 Ambassador and Olympic and dual Commonwealth Games hurdles gold medallist Sally Pearson OAM had the honour of being the first athlete to lay eyes on and hold the medals in an on-stage presentation with Ms Cockatoo-Collins, who shared her inspiration behind the design of both the medals and ribbon.
MEDAL DESIGNER DELVENE COCKATOO-COLLINS:
“My inspiration was drawn from the Gold Coast coastline, which for many generations, has been a place for gathering, meeting and sport.”
“The medal design represents soft sand lines which shift with every tide and wave, also symbolic of athletic achievement.”
“The continual change of tide represents the evolution in athletes who are making their mark. Records are made and special moments of elation are celebrated. Although the moment in time may be fleeting, it is forever marked within the shells that are brought upon its tidelines.”
GOLDOC CHAIRMAN PETER BEATTIE AC:
“The reveal of these striking gold, silver and bronze medals for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is a special and significant moment for the athletes as they can now visualise what they are training and competing for.”
COMMONWEALTH GAMES FEDERATION PRESIDENT LOUISE MARTIN CBE:
“A medal is the ultimate and much-cherished prize for a Commonwealth athlete; and each athlete’s ongoing commitment and drive to attain them stirs hopes and dreams in all of us.”
“I am sure the athletes will love these medals and provide them with further inspiration and determination as we count down towards the Games in April.”
GC2018 AMBASSADOR AND OLYMPIC AND DUAL COMMONWEALTH GAMES HURDLES GOLD MEDALLIST SALLY PEARSON OAM:
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be the first athlete to view the medals for next year’s Commonwealth Games.”
“Medals are symbols of success and we aspire to have them. Having the opportunity to strive for a gold medal from a Games in my own home town is very special.”
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Above: The GC2018 medal story