Commonwealth Games: 7 Chances for England to Win

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It’s preview time! Over the next six weeks we’ll look at the top medal hopes for the Home Nations. First up: the sportswomen who will lead England’s mountains green.

1. For starters, England’s hockey team will be exciting to watch this summer as they look to break their bronze-coloured streak of recent years. England took third place at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a GB squad heavily composed of England players took bronze at the London Olympics, and England itself defeated Argentina at the World League Final in December, again winning bronze. FIH rankings have England at World #3. The team did not fare well at June’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup, finishing in a dismal 11th place, but this showing is arguably more trip-up than tide-change. My money’s on motivation: look out for a rallied England team to challenge perennial Commonwealth favourites Australia and New Zealand for a spot in the final.

2. The situation is eerily similar for England’s netball team. England has won three of four possible bronze medals since netball made its Commonwealth Games debut in 1998; Australia and New Zealand have held a monopoly over gold and silver in all four contests. England will be without captain Pamela Cookey due to an achilles injury, but otherwise the squad is looking strong. Can 2014 finally be the year they break the bronze habit?

3. On the squash courts, look for Laura Massaro to lead Team England on the path to the podium. She already has a Commonwealth silver medal from Delhi (women’s pairs, with Jenny Duncalf), and is the recent winner of the World Open. Duncalf, who also won women’s singles silver in 2010, is also a contender for another medal, as is Alison Waters.

4. It might not be the most obvious of sports to watch this summer, but make an effort to not miss the lawn bowls. England has a strong recent history of success here: it was two golds for the English in 2010 when Natalie Melmore won a dramatic women’s singles final and Ellen Falkner and Amy Monkhouse defeated Malaysia in the women’s pairs. Monkhouse will not compete this year, but look for Melmore-who will celebrate her 25th birthday at the Games-to defend her title.

5. Judoka Gemma Gibbons won the nation’s heart with her emotional silver-medal victory in London 2012, and returns to represent England in Glasgow this summer. She’s a fan favourite and is pinned to do very well against Commonwealth competition.

6. It would be remiss to neglect to mention England’s cycling squad, what with the likes of Lizzie Armistead, Laura Trott, and Emma Pooley leading the way. English cyclists have a long history of doing well on the world stage, and this summer looks to be no exception. Look for all three, plus other up-and-comers (more on them as the Games approach…), to make podium appearances.

7. England returns a number of 2010 medallists and Olympic veterans to the water this summer. Leading the deep talent pool is Francesca Halsall, who will be looking to add more gold to her already-weighty medal haul. Elizabeth Simmonds and Amy Smith are also strong medal contenders, whilst para-swimmer Stephanie Slater is a favourite in the S8 100m freestyle. England is also heavily tapped to challenge for the podium in the relays.

Honourable Mention: A number of medal hopefuls will be competing for England in the athletics events. That squad, however, is yet to be named. Stay tuned for more athletics news as Glasgow draws closer.

Erin Walters, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine

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