Runner a surprise
3500 more needed to complete relay
COMMONWEALTH Games chiefs have awarded the ultimate ceremonial prize nine months ahead of Melbourne’s big event.
Local panels in September will pick most of the 3500 Australian runners needed for the Queen’s Baton Relay.
But Melbourne 2006 chairman Ron Walker has already chosen the person who will pass the baton to the Queen at the MCG on March 15.
“The last runner has been chosen, but the recipient of that honour doesn’t know,” he told the Herald Sun. “It will only be announced on the evening.”
Mr Walker said the final runner - and the one who will start the 50-day relay in Sydney on January 25 - would be a current or former sports star.
Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett and Jodie Henry lead candidates from the current crop of swimmers.
Brooke Hanson, Giaan Rooney and hurdler Jana Pittman are adopted Victorians, which would not harm their chances.
Basketball wonder Lauren Jackson recently confirmed her intention to lead the Opals into battle next March and would be popular.
There is no requirement the runner must come from a Commonwealth Games sport, which opens the door to the likes of Mark Webber, Greg Norman or Steve Waugh.
Although a world-beating Victorian sportsman, sources ruled out Shane Warne.
England captain and Real Madrid soccer superstar David Beckham teamed with a young girl for the finale of the baton relay at Manchester in 2002.
Running great Ron Clarke lit the Olympic cauldron at the MCG in 1956, but the Gold Coast mayor is unlikely to get the honour again.
Governor John Landy, Herb Elliott, Raelene Boyle, Rob de Castella, Andrew Gaze and Steve Moneghetti are past stars who could get lead roles.
Mr Walker would not comment on Cathy Freeman’s chances of reprising her star turn at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Another indigenous athlete - Nova Peris - was the first Australia torch-bearer in 2000.
Mr Walker said there would be no quibbles about the final runner.
“Everybody will be happy with the choice, I can assure you,” he said.
Mr Walker said the Federal Government would choose the first runner.
The Queen’s message to athletes is in a computer chip embedded in the baton.
Local nominees will take 1925 relay positions, sponsors 1015, past and present Commonwealth Games athletes 350, celebrities 105 and media partners 105.
Public nominations close on September 9.
The baton has arrived in Mozambique — the 26th of 70 countries on the international itinerary.
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