“There are powerful stories of athletes who went to those Pride houses who were overwhelmed to be somewhere that was a positive reflection of who they are,” said Jon Holmes of the executive team of the House of Pride. “In Glasgow, a delegation from Botswana came into the house and the women were visibly moved to be in a place where they could be authentic.”
Former Jamaican swimmer Michael Gunning was only beginning to feel like his true self after coming out in 2018. Coming from a country labeled as one of the most homophobic places in the world, his reluctance was understandable.
However, being at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in 2017 when a suicide bomber killed 22 people changed that.
“That experience, and being so close to death, meant that I really wanted to help people,” said Gunning, who will be the in-house commentator for the swimming events. I have struggled for so long. I was very afraid to go out. But I wanted to help people. If not me, then who? So I don’t regret leaving when I did.
“There have been so many Caribbean athletes that have approached me since I did it; so many people in Jamaica and countries where it is illegal, people who share this burden with me. With all the death threats I’ve had, all the hate I’ve had, all the positivity has made it worth it.”
Gunning also appears in a documentary presented by Daley, who has visited Commonwealth countries where it is illegal, and in some cases punishable by death, to be gay.
The Commonwealth Games Federation has strived to make Birmingham the most inclusive of all. Earlier this month, it ruled that no country will receive hosting rights if it has anti-gay laws.
Adam Peaty is one of the hometown headliners for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Credit: Getty
Peaty’s Blindness
One of the big stars of these games is England swimmer Adam Peaty. Perhaps the most important, however, is Netflix’s Peaky Blinders, which focuses on a criminal gang based in Birmingham in 1919.
Peaty was front and center in The Mirror’s coverage on Friday, dressed as an extra from the hit series. Resplendent in a flat cap and a menacing expression on his face, the 27-year-old even carries a gun over his shoulder.
No bull: It wouldn’t be an opening ceremony without a giant animal. Credit: PA
He’s also a big weapon in the chlorine, and is looking to overcome a broken foot that kept him out of the world championships when he competes in the 100m breaststroke. A three-time Olympic champion, he has won six Commonwealth Games gold medals in the past.
Hurleys on song
The official cheerleaders for the Australian team are Governor General David Hurley and his wife Linda, who has quickly become a cult hero among the athletes.
At a function in the athletes’ village, he performed a stirring rendition of You Are My Sunshine, then got the athletes to do the same, confronting the person sitting next to them.
The other star of the team so far is chef de mission Petria Thomas, no longer the shy Mullumbimby country girl in NSW’s Northern Rivers.
He has enjoyed the role, greeting all team members as they enter the athletes’ village, regardless of the time of day.
Comedian Lenny Henry didn’t get the memo that you don’t have to be good at sports to enjoy them. Credit: Getty
THE QUOTE “No, I’ve never been good at sports.” — Comedian Sir Lenny Henry, on the BBC’s coverage of the opening ceremony, when asked if he had bought tickets to the events. Um, okay, then.
THUMBS UP The opening ceremony, which was inspired by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, was a ripper. It didn’t paint over Birmingham’s troubled past, but it celebrated its diversity and creativity beautifully. The huge bull, which represents the historic bullring in the center of Birmingham, was the star of the show.
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THUMBS DOWN There are strict COVID-19 restrictions in the athletes’ village, but the sneaky little virus is starting to infect a handful of competitors, including Australia’s javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber. Fun fact: A rapid antigen test here only costs two pounds, which is about AU$3.50.
IT’S A BIG DAY TWO OF THE GAMES FOR…Emma McKeon, who is chasing the all-time medal records of Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones and Susie O’Neill. He competes in the 100m butterfly and 4x100m freestyle.
IT’S A BIGGER DAY FOR…Beach Volleyball, which will be held in the heart of the city at Smithfield Market Place. Look, it’s not Bondi Beach or Copacabana. But sand is sand and the Australian men’s pair of Paul Burnett and Chris McHugh are up against the power of the Maldives.
Get all the latest news from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games here. We’ll be broadcasting the action live on the blog from 4pm to 10am each day.