Athletes off to Delhi despite Games woes

WARNINGS of terrorist attacks have not deterred seven Redland athletes from attending the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Swimmers Alicia Coutts and Ashley Callus, along with archer Mathew Masonwells, diver Sharleen Stratton, cyclist Emily Rosemond and weightlifter Amanda Phillips, will all fly to Delhi at the end of this week.

Dengue fever, the collapse of a ceiling in the weightlifting venue and security concerns have not discouraged Cleveland gymnast Thomas Pichler, 24, or his family.

His mum, Sylvia Pichler, will travel to Delhi with her husband, Anton, and daughter-in-law, Andrea.

Despite the Department of Foreign Affairs warnings there was a "high risk of a terrorist attack", the 51-year-old mother of three is determined to watch her son and celebrate her birthday in Delhi on October 5.

"I'm not worried about security or travelling," Sylvia said. "I've travelled around the world and understand the risks involved.

"Going to Delhi is the culmination of many years of hard work for Thomas and our family.

"He's overcome injuries and his goals are finally within reach.

"If I pulled out now because I was too scared to travel, it would send the wrong message to Thomas who needs to concentrate on competing and should not be distracted.

"We are a little worried but we are looking at the bigger picture and nothing will stop us celebrating my birthday."

Head coach for the Australian weightlifting team Mike Keelan, who lives and works in the Redlands, said the ceiling collapse had not deterred his team.

"I have spoken to the 19 members of my team and not one of them has decided to pull out," he said.

"The ceiling collapse in the weightlifting venue was due to some heavy television cables falling through some very light-weight ceiling tiles.

"It was minor and none of the athletes are in danger."

Athletes were told to take precautions including their own mosquito nets and rain coats, said Rob Masonwells, whose son Mathew, from Alexandra Hills, is in the men's archery team.

Judith Kerr, Bayside Bulletin, 27/09/2010