Sara Carrigan, GC2018 Village co-mayor
With numerous entertainment hubs around our city for locals and visitors to enjoy the festivities, and athletes who have finished their competition out for a good time and enjoy the local surrounds, it will be such a buzz ...
Right now, our fine city is gearing up for one of the most significant periods in its history – the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. While we’ve all been aware for some time that it’s coming (remember thinking years ago that 2018 seemed so far away?), we’ve officially entered into the pointy end of it all and the excitement is well and truly peaking. As locals, it’s hard to know what to expect when the Games finally kick off, so we thought we’d have a chat with someone who has seen it all before – cycling champ Sara Carrigan OAM. The Olympic Gold medalist (yes, gold!), Commonwealth Games medalist, proud Gold Coaster and all-round cool chick has also been appointed as the co-Mayor of the GC2018 Village, alongside Mark Stockwell. While she’s in the midst of her official duties, Sara took some time to chat about village life, getting muddy, and what we’re in for from April 4–15.
The games are just around the corner, and as the GC2018 Commonwealth Games Village co-mayor, you’ve got a lot on your plate! Tell us, what exactly does the mayor do? We’re kind of picturing you in a cape with a sceptre in your hand …
Haha, love it! We will also have a mayoral office and chains of some form! Being Village Mayor is actually quite a serious role in ensuring that all our delegates, officials and especially athletes experience a home away from home. We will be the first faces they see when they arrive at the village for their welcoming ceremony and we’ll be the friendly face, confidante and supporter for athletes who can be quite apprehensive as they prepare to compete for their nations.
You’ll be a busy badger during the games between mayoral and commentating duties, but what events are you most eager to see? Apart from cycling!
I loved the strength and athleticism of the women’s Rugby 7s game in Rio so can’t wait to be there in person at Robina stadium! I also can’t wait to feel the raw power of the Jamaicans on the athletics track and am keen to get amongst the action and support one of our local heroes Sally Pearson.
You’ve been there and experienced what it’s like as a competitor at both Commonwealth and Olympic Games – tell us, what’s ‘village life’ really like?
The best spot to be in the village is the dining hall! It provides a place to intermingle with other athletes from your country, and it’s a great opportunity for people-watching. A favourite game is guessing a person’s sport based on their body type …! If athletes aren’t eating, sleeping or competing, they will often relax by gathering in lounges to watch other competitions, Skype home or just hang out and play games. The village is almost like a giant college campus except that everyone is getting ready for the biggest event of their life. Everyone is very focused and so everyone is 100 percent on their best behaviour up until they’re done competing and … as the saying goes, ‘what happens in the village, stays in the village!’
What about outside of the village? A lot of Gold Coast locals have never experienced the magic of the Commonwealth Games, let alone be living in the host city! What do you think locals can expect from April 4-15?
Expect a big party! With numerous entertainment hubs around our city for locals and visitors to enjoy the festivities, and athletes who have finished their competition out for a good time and enjoy the local surrounds, it will be such a buzz. Get amongst it!
Let’s take things back a bit – what do you remember about when you first jumped on a bike?
I was six and my first pushie was a little ‘red rocket’ from Santa. It had training wheels on it but one soon broke off so Dad lined me up at the top of a grassed hill, pushed me down and I made it all the way to the bottom before falling over. I then spent the next few days riding up and down the concrete path (gaining many a bruise and skinned knee) trying to learn how to balance. I loved it way back then!
How have you seen the cycling culture on the Gold Coast change over the past ten years?
There has certainly been an explosion in the number of people riding bikes – commuting, recreational riding, cruising, and mountain biking! Coincidence or not, the increase in the number of bike riders has risen in line with the explosion of coffee shops! The City of Gold Coast has several free bicycle workshops to help educate people and feel more skilled and safer to ride their bikes. There is some fear around riding but there doesn’t have to be with a shift in understanding, respect, tolerance and patience. There is so much our community can gain from having more people on bikes from health, economic, environmental, social, and transport benefits not to mention the world of adventure, exploration, freedom, endorphins and relationships that are built while pedalling.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Have known to be a bit of a perfectionist so … 90% out the door is better than 100% in the drawer.
What’s the last thing that made you smile?
Or laugh until my cheeks and abs hurt? Mountain biking in the mud with some cool mates! The best!
Only a Gold Coast local would know that … Mermaid Beach used to be called Los Angeles Beach! The name change was in 1946 derived from the cutter HMS Mermaid, which arrived in 1823.
YOUR FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Lately, I’ve been loving a brew from my local Background Barista or at Double Barrel Kitchen.
Relax … the beach.
Dine … Bam Bam Bakehouse where we can grab one of their blankets sit on the grass and enjoy ‘picnic rug service’ – perfect for the kiddies!
Be Inspired … on the bike! There is nothing like the splendour of dawn and pedalling along our beautiful coastline, watching the sunrise creep over the horizon and across the beach, and feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays splashing across our faces and lighting up our world. Just wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
