Gina a gold champion

Having missed out on the Commonwealth Games 2026 team since letter writing is yet to be designated as a competitive enough blood sport for high TV ratings across the empire, I guess I will never get to meet the generous Gina Rinehart nor enjoy her gold medal beneficence (“Pauline dives in after swimmers asked to curb their gratitude”, Sunday Telegraph, 26/7).

Her monetary patronage of athletic excellence is longstanding and a credit to the decency of her character.

Considering I am not bound by any trifling clauses in the official Commonwealth Games team contracts: thank you Gina from the whole country. You are a gold-hearted champion for sure.

However, as an afterthought, considering the then Victorian premier ripped up the contract with the Games committee without consequence, a precedent in common law makes it unlikely anyone will really be sued if they mumble a few “metaphors” mixed among their own muffled “thank yous” to an Aussie audience cheering them on and knowing exactly who they are referring to.

Alan Sexton, North Parramatta

It seems our Commonwealth Games officials have “gag ordered” our swimmers expressing gratitude.

It comes to something in an amateur competition when you can’t thank those who have helped along the way.

But apparently Gina Rinehart, who has financially supported our swimmers and swim team, to the tune of millions of dollars, has been “placed off limits” by Commonwealth Games Australia.

Unbelievable as it is; the strict edict from CGA to our swim team to “zip it” as far as Mrs Rinehart is concerned, smacks of a bunch of left-wing Orwellian officials trying to flex their muscles.

Well if that’s how it’s to be; perhaps Ms Rinehart should withdraw future funding. Then we’ll see how these imperious officials react, when our elite swimmers “pull the pin”, needing to earn a living rather than train and swim for a living.

Peter Cattlin, Freshwater