THE GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – David Bambrick has finished sixth in men’s F38 shotput and achieved his best score this season at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
He achieved his score in front of a crowd of thousands of screaming fans, and felt the love as they cheered him on.
He’s back in Canada now, but is still buzzing from his first experience competing at an international event.
“It’s just absolutely amazing to represent my country and throw with so many people in the stadium,” he said, in an interview from the stadium’s track field.
Competing with ‘family’ of Canadian athletes
Bambrick scored a 11.74 metre shotput throw in his event and said he is so proud of himself for achieving the score.
After months spent training with coach Steve Wohlmuth, it’s a result that exceeded his expectations. But that’s exactly why he trains – to keep getting better and better, which is what he aims to continue doing as he trains for several international track meets this summer.
“It took me eight years to get here, but I did it. I always try and get bigger, faster and stronger for my next event,” said Bambrick.
He ran into several familiar faces at the games, and said it felt different from when they compete against each other at national events.
“When you’re at nationals every year, you’re so focused on yourself to say hi and bye to others. But when you come together like this, you’re a family,” he said.
Para and able athletes compete side by side
Bambrick and the other para athletes competed alongside the able athletes at the games, which combines both athlete categories.
Bambrick said this is something that should happen at all events.
“It’s just amazing what people with disabilities can do. I’m glad to be here, representing that,” he said.
“As my parents told me, I can do everything everyone else can, but in a different way.”
He said the competition was his first time in Australia, but will not be his last, and that he intends to keep training so he can continue representing Canada in the international arena.
“It’s just the greatest experience ever. Representing the country is amazing, and a lot of people don’t get a chance to do that,” he said.
