Team Cook Islands were yesterday bracing for another exciting day of events in athletics, weightlifting and lawn bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Middle distance runner Alex Beddoes was set to compete last night in the 800 metres heats after a bout with Covid-19.

Beddoes, the regional 800m champion, had to have a PCR test 72 hours from entering the Commonwealth Games Village and due to the long remaining effects of Covid, it came back weak positive even after he had recovered and been isolated past the contagious period.

He retested earlier this week and returned a negative test, allowing him to join the national team ahead of his race.

Beddoes’ parents Damian and Paulina have travelled across the world to support their son at the event.

Twenty-three-year-old weightlifter Manine Lynch from Ngatangiia was scheduled to compete early this morning (Cook Islands time) in the 87 kilogram and over class.

Manine’s parents Paul and Shona Lynch are also in Birmingham to support their daughter.

“She humbly wants to thank everyone back home for their amazing support and prayers, as she takes on her biggest international competition ever, in her sport of weightlifting,” Paul said before the event last night.

Early yesterday, Paul and his team of Cook Islands fans attended the national lawn bowling team’s matches in a town near Birmingham city, called Leamington Spa.

“The women’s triples were very impressive and won their second game this time against the bowls powerhouse nation of Scotland (24-13). They had defeated the national team from Wales earlier in the day. Our winning women’s team consists of a real ‘family affair’ of Emily, Tiare and Tai Jim, being the mum and her two daughters,” Paul said.

“Our Men’s Fours went down bravely in their first game 25-10 to the very strong team from the host nation, England. The boys showed many glimpses of world class talent and shots, but couldn’t keep consistent over many close ends of play, as England just kept clocking up the points with each end played.”

CISNOC general secretary Owen Lewis and Team Cook Islands chef de mission John Paul Wilson were also present at the event.

“His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, both avid sports fans and former national sports representatives, were also on hand to support our national bowls team.”

Cook Islands won its first ever Commonwealth Games medals – bronze medal at the 2018 event in Australia.