They are a sports-oriented, happy-go-lucky family who are enjoying every moment at the Commonwealth Games. Luke Carson is representing Northern Ireland in gymnastics, while his younger sister Bethany is a member of the swimming team. Their father, Michael Carson, has tried his hand at rugby and is a decent golfer, while their mother, Gillian Margaret Carson, is a sports enthusiast and a pillar of support for her children. So it is only natural that the Carson family eats, breathes and sleeps sport, and even at home the whole atmosphere is sporty.
“That’s the best part of our family. We are all into sport, and even at home we just talk about and discuss sport. The environment is so positive, and we keep talking about how to improve and win at the highest level,” says 20-year-old Luke, who is stepping up his performances on the international stage.
“I have been in the finals. It’s not easy at this level of competition. I made a slight mistake and that set me back several places, but I am happy to finish the way I did,” he says.
Bethany, the chirpier of the two, chips in too. “It’s all in the family. We have had great support from our parents, and we hope to make them proud in the times to come,” says the 18-year-old swimmer, who reached the semi-final of the 50m backstroke.
Proud parents
The parents join the conversation as well. “Both are equally hard-working. I am proud of my children. I am confident they will do well in their events,” says Gillian, adding that both were put into gymnastics at an early age to keep them fit and healthy.
“Luke was healthy and fit. He was hyperactive as a child, so we let him continue as a gymnast. As for Bethany, somebody at her school noticed her potential as a swimmer and we decided to put her into swimming,” says their father, Michael.
Life in the Games Village
So what is their pick of the Games Village? “I love the food. There are so many varieties available here. I have tasted many dishes and they are so delicious. But yes, I am keeping away from the spicy dishes as I have to compete,” says Bethany, who is all set to visit Agra on Sunday.
“I want to see the Taj Mahal. I have heard so much about it and will be going there with my team,” she says.
Luke, too, is enjoying his stay at the Games. “It’s a fantastic experience. The Village atmosphere is wonderful. It’s so lively. On top of that, my sister is staying just opposite my room, so it becomes a family affair in the towers as well. And since our parents are here, it’s fun being here,” says the gymnast.
The parents, too, have been having a great time, despite being busy travelling between the two venues, the gymnastics and swimming centres. “We arrived six days ago, but it seems we have been here six weeks. It has been so busy, as we need to travel between the two venues for our two children. We go to the swimming venue in the morning, then to the gymnastics centre in the afternoon and back to the swimming stadium in the evening. But it’s fun riding the metro, the taxis and the tuk-tuks (autos),” says Michael.
And which ride do they enjoy most? “It’s the tuk-tuk. It’s very exciting. Sometimes you have to close your eyes, and when you open them it’s all excitement. We love the noise of the machine and its automatic air conditioning,” says Gillian.
Courtesy: Village News
By Rakesh Jha
Indian Sports News
