The Commonwealth Games may not carry the prestige of an Olympics, or even a world championship. But it remains an important marker in every Canadian athlete's schedule — a lower-level test at a multi-sport competition that doubles as a barometer for when the stakes are a little higher.
Diving Canada's high-performance director Mitch Geller said there's much to be learned from the Commonwealth Games. "It has been such an unveiling of future stars," he said.
Still, Geller said the Games are treated as a destination — not just part of the journey. "We're hunting for as many medals as possible.
We don't look at it just as a stepping stone, even though it can serve as that. We treat it as if it's not that different than an Olympic Games." Canada is sending 272 athletes to compete in 18 sports and five Para sports from July 28 to Aug.