Jersey, a British Crown dependency in the English Channel, has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1958, and has won a total of four medals throughout its history.
Jersey’s Commonwealth Games debut and first medal
Jersey made its first appearance in the Commonwealth Games in 1958 in Cardiff, Wales. The island’s first medal came at the 1962 Games in Perth, Australia, when boxer Albert Turmel won a bronze medal in the mens welterweight category.
Jersey’s gold medal at the Auckland 1990 Commonwealth Games
Jersey’s only gold medal at the Commonwealth Games came at the 1990 Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Colin Mallett won the open full bore rifle Queen’s prize, marking a significant milestone for the island’s sporting history.
Jersey’s recent Commonwealth Games performances
Jersey athletes have been making steady progress at the Commonwealth Games in recent years. The island’s performance pathway, established by Paul du Feu, helped Jersey athletes qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The island’s last medal at the Commonwealth Games was won at the Auckland 1990 Games, and the team is eager to add to its medal count in future Games.
Conclusion
Jersey’s history at the Commonwealth Games has been marked by a few significant achievements, including its first medal in 1962 and its only gold medal in 1990. While the island has not won a medal since then, its athletes are training hard to compete at the highest level and make their mark in future Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. It is sometimes referred to as the “Friendly Games” because of the camaraderie and goodwill shown by the participants. The event was first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games, and has since grown to become the third-largest multi-sport event in the world, after the Olympic Games and the Asian Games. -
What is Jersey?
Jersey is a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom, located in the English Channel. It is the largest of the Channel Islands and has a population of around 100,000 people. Jersey has its own parliament, government, and legal system, and is not part of the United Kingdom or the European Union. The island is a popular tourist destination and is known for its mild climate, picturesque countryside, and sandy beaches. -
Who is Paul du Feu?
Paul du Feu is a former athlete and coach from Jersey who played a key role in establishing the island’s performance pathway for athletes. He was instrumental in helping Jersey’s athletes qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, where they competed in athletics, shooting, and swimming. Du Feu was also a successful athlete in his own right, winning several medals at the Island Games and representing Jersey in the marathon at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. -
What are the Island Games?
The Island Games is a multi-sport event held every two years, involving athletes from small island communities around the world. The event was first held in the Isle of Man in 1985, and has since grown to become one of the largest international sporting events in the world. The games provide a platform for athletes from small island communities to compete against each other and showcase their talents on the international stage.
