Melbourne’s western suburbs will be represented by a star-studded contingent of athletes at the Commonwealth Games, which start July 23.
The seven-member team from the west enters the Games with varying levels of experience on the big stage.
At one end of the scale is first-time representative Morgan Mitchell, of Werribee. The 19-year-old is one of Australia’s most exciting prospects on the track, having qualified for the Games in April.
She will compete in the 400 metres and 400-metre relay.
Mitchell will be joined in Glasgow by shooter Russell Mark, who enters the Games as a veteran of the Australian team.
The Hoppers Crossing resident is lining up in his sixth Commonwealth Games, adding to his five Olympics.
Mark will be joined on the shooting range by his wife Lauryn, who qualified for the women’s skeet, as well as Keilor’s Adam Vella, who has qualified in the men’s trap.
Also doing the west proud will be wrestler Ali Abdo.
The 33-year-old Altona North resident will represent Australia in the 86kg freestyle wrestling.
After competing at three Olympic Games throughout his career, this will be Abdo’s first Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve been around for a fair bit and for me this could be my final run,” he said.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself. I want to finish on a high.”
Abdo won’t be the only wrestler from the west donning the green and gold, with Mehrdad Tarash having qualified in the 65-kilogram division.
After finishing ninth at his first Commonwealth Games four years ago in Delhi, India, Tarash is confident he’s better prepared this time around.
The Sydenham resident said he learned a lot from his Delhi experiences and is hoping to translate that into a podium finish.
“When I made my first Commonwealth Games team I was very young,” he said.
“My preparation wasn’t as good as I would have liked, but this time around I have learnt from my mistakes and I’m a lot better prepared. I am definitely aiming for a
medal.”
Rounding out the west’s contingent will be lawn bowler Carla Odgers. It will be the 22-year-old Keilor Downs resident’s first Commonwealth Games.
