GINA RINEHART OFFERS BONUSES FOR AUSTRALIAN ATHLETES AT GLASGOW GAMES

Gina Rinehart has offered financial bonuses to Australian athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The offer forms part of efforts to support Team Australia's medal performance at the 23rd Commonwealth Games, which begin with an opening ceremony on Thursday at the Hydro Arena. Rinehart's announcement comes as teams from 73 countries and territories prepare to compete across ten sports over more than ten days of competition.

The Games will see athletes compete in disciplines including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, boxing, judo, netball, bowls, weightlifting, wheelchair basketball and track cycling. Competition begins on Friday, 24 July, with a preliminary "day zero" added before the opening ceremony to manage demand in bowls and para bowls events. This iteration of the Commonwealth Games is scaled back after Glasgow took over as host when Victoria, Australia, withdrew from its hosting commitment.

Several athletes have been identified as medal contenders. Welsh cyclist Emma Finucane, who won two bronze medals at the Birmingham Games four years ago and subsequently claimed gold at Paris 2024, will compete in the keirin, sprint and team sprint events beginning Thursday, 30 July. Welsh swimmer Matt Richards and gymnast Ruby Evans, at just 19 years old, are among other athletes expected to contend for medals. Welsh team captain Olivia Breen is positioned as a medal prospect in para-sport disciplines.