Athletes put safety in hands of federation

ASSURANCES by the Australian Commonwealth Games Federation and the Australian Government about Delhi have proven enough to keep most Gold Coast athletes on track to compete, despite growing security concerns.

Athletes contacted by the Bulletin yesterday confirmed they had concerns about safety and organisational issues, but were relying on advice from their own sporting bodies which was supplied by the Government and the Games federation.

Rugby 7s competitor Luke Morahan said team members had been assured about security and that was enough to get them on the plane to Delhi.

Gymnast Thomas Pichler also said he was putting his safety in the hands of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

''As far as I know we are going,'' he said.

''The Commonwealth Games Federation is making that decision.''

Swimming Coach Glenn Baker said 'Swimming Australia' would not put the team in danger.

''Even if one of us (the swim team) gets to Delhi and feels like it is too dangerous, they will put us back on the plane home,'' he said.

An Athletics Australia spokesperson said the body was obtaining regular updates from the Australian Commonwealth Games Federation and Australian Government.

''We are keeping a close eye on the situation. It is changing daily,'' she said.

A Swimming Australia spokesperson said 'there was no indication from any swimmer that they were looking to pull out at this stage'.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid boss Mark Stockwell said he had no concerns about security in Delhi.

''I'll be there early next week. I expect to see very good security around the athletes, around the village, around the technical officials and the venues themselves,'' he said.

''I think there will be an incredible amount of security on show. Everyone will have to be patient because there will be lots of frisking and other security.''

Lucy Ardern and Matthew Killoran, Gold Coast Bulletion, 23/12/2010