Caster leads SA at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Cape Town - Team South Africa received a warm welcome at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday on Australia's Gold Coast.

SA's flag bearer Caster Semenya held the country's flag high, while retired Paralympian Natalie du Toit was one of the flag bearers for the newly found Athletes Advisory Commission of the Commonwealth Games.

Team South Africa's athletes will do battle across 17 codes, including para-sports athletics, lawn bowls, swimming, table tennis and powerlifting at the Games which start on Thursday and end on April 15.

Since being admitted back into the global sports family, South Africa has sent teams to six Commonwealth Games around the globe starting with the 1994 Games in Victoria, British Colombia.

At the last Games, in Glasgow four years ago, the team ended seventh with a total medal count of 40 (13 gold, 10 silver and 17 bronze).

READ: Who to watch: Team SA on day 1

On Day 1 of the Games, South Africa are in action across six sporting codes with big expectations in the men's triathlon, where Henri Schoeman and Richard Murray, are strong medal candidates.

Team SA received a huge welcome from the crowd at the Carrara Stadium. An amazing opening ceremony staged by the hosts. @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/CrHxSgz0PW

— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA18) April 4, 2018

@Natsdutoit Natalie du Toit doing South Africa proud as one of the flag bearers for the newly found Athletes Advisory Commission of the Commonwealth Games .@GC2018 pic.twitter.com/aaKkFi5khd

— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA18) April 4, 2018

Images: AP/Gallo