TOP netballer Kimberlee Green, a Sutherland Shire association junior, has covered herself in glory and will return from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a gold medal.
The NSW Swifts captain, who was part of the Australian team which finished runners-up to New Zealand at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, now has the ultimate prize for her trophy cabinet.
Kimberlee, 28, of Miranda, played her heart out for the Diamonds as they avenged the result of four years ago to defeat the Kiwis 58-40 in the final on Sunday night.
The Diamonds truly sparkled, leading by 11 goals at the final break and never looked back, storming home victors by 18 goals.
After the game Kimberlee said via her Twitter account: ‘‘Incredible!! Best feeling in the world!’’
Sporting talent runs in the Green family.
Kimberlee’s mother, Denise Langford, was a top swimmer and represented Australia at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. Her father, Michael Green, played rugby league with Souths.
Kimberlee’s husband is St George, NSW and former Australian Test cricket fast bowler, Trent Copeland.
And the other St George and Sutherland Shire Australian representatives have done themselves and their families proud in Glasgow.
Other local representatives included Penshurst’s steeplechaser, James Nipperess, 23, who finished 10th in the 3000-metre event.
Jarrod Geddes, 20, of Sutherland, finished third in the 200 metres heat, missing the semi-final by just a whisker, .05 of a second.
Then in the 4 x 100 metres relay heat, Jarrod ran the second leg for the team and they finished third in the heat but were disqualified for an incorrect baton change.
His teammate, Jake Hammond, 22, of Heathcote, was also in the men’s 4 x 100 metres relay. Como’s Michael Dooley is Jarrod’s and Jake’s coach.
Jarrod was then drafted into Australia’s team for the 4 x 400 metres replay in the final, where they finished sixth.
‘‘Jarrod will be hungrier for the experience,’’ said his father, Mark.
Ella Nelson, 20, of Heathcote, ran in the women’s 200 metres reaching the semi-final. She is also coached by Michael Dooley.
She raced in the 4 x 100 metres women’s relay and finished fifth in the final, in 44.21 seconds. Cronulla’s Eloise Wellings, 31, finished fifth in the women’s 5000 metres, and ran a personal best this season of 15 minutes, 14 seconds.
Taren Point Bowling Club member, Ali Forsyth, 34, who lives at Taren Point, represented New Zealand in the triples and fours.
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