We’ve had a mighty tasty entrée, but the main course in the curry capital of the United Kingdom promises plenty more.
That’s certainly what the New Zealand Olympic Committee will be hoping if they’re to give the medal tally – 46 medals: 15 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze – from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games a nudge in Birmingham.
Highlighted by the men’s team pursuit bagging New Zealand’s first gold medal, followed closely by the women’s team sprint trio nabbing No 2, things certainly got off to a hot start on the opening day of the 22nd Games.
Hayden Wilde’s silver, which could yet be upgraded to gold pending his appeal, to kick-start New Zealand’s medal tally was also quality.
As was swimmer Sophie Pascoe’s win in the women’s S9 100m freestyle, her fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal, and the women’s team pursuit’s silver after losing Ally Wollaston to injury ahead of the Games.
So far, so good.
Now, for the smorgasbord of sport on offer the coming week, including a bucket load more cycling.
Four years after more than a third of New Zealand’s medal haul came on two wheels – track, road and mountain bike disciplines – and after they were tipped to do the heavy lifting again, expect plenty more medal celebrations to go down at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London.
That’s right, the majority of New Zealand’s haul at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games look set to be won 162km southeast of the host city.
New Zealand’s team sprinters helped the country get off to a fast start at the Commonwealth Games.
Nevertheless, Kiwis shouldn’t have to wait long for further success, with more medals expected to be draped around the necks of New Zealand cyclists on Sunday morning.
Indeed, the tally could be looking fine by the time the weekend is cooked, before many of New Zealand’s 232-strong team fire up.
That includes 17 New Zealanders set to compete in the jewel in the crown in the eyes of many when it comes to Olympics and Commonwealth Games – athletics (starting Tuesday night).
The recently revamped Alexander Stadium, cleaned up after hosting the spectacular opening ceremony, is sure to be the home of more Kiwi success.
Think shot putters Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill, hammer thrower Julia Ratcliffe and high jumper Hamish Kerr.
Be sure to keep an eye on 100m sprinter Zoe Hobbs, fresh from breaking her own Oceania record and making the semifinals at the world championships in Oregon, and 1500m runner Sam Tanner.
Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
New Zealand squash ace Joelle King and shot putter Tom Walsh are expected to win medals this week.
The working week could get off to a bang, too, with the All Blacks and Black Ferns sevens sides potentially playing for gold in Coventry – a city 28km southeast of Birmingham – on Monday.
As far as can’t miss events go, look no further than the men’s cross-country mountain bike, four years after Sam Gaze flipped fellow Kiwi Anton Cooper the bird on his way to gold.
Both are back, and both are expected to again challenge for gold.
Have we mentioned there’s also beach volley ball, judo, boxing, netball, hockey, cricket, wrestling, diving, gymnastics, bowls, 3×3 basketball and badminton?
And don’t forget squash aces Paul Coll and Joelle King, and David Liti, one of seven weightlifters, and a white-hot favourite to defend his Gold Coast crown.
Talk about a stacked week, and that’s before the Silver Ferns, White Ferns and Black Sticks men and women, among others, kick on the following week.
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