Editorial: Human touch a Games changer

New Zealand middle distance runner, Nikki Hamblin. Photo / Greg Bowker

It is often debated whether the Commonwealth Games continues to have validity and merit as a sporting event.

But in a world seemingly progressing toward less human interaction and more computer/cellphone orientated communication, the Games represents more than a sporting competition.

It is an example of how sport reaps benefits within and beyond the athletic arena.

Little else engenders national pride among ordinary Kiwis as much as a black singleted athlete doing their best for New Zealand. It makes us feel good.

And even better if we win.

The triumph of the human spirit, and body.

Or not.

Scotty "Sumo" Stevenson's post-800m race interview with Nikki Hamblin was a superb piece of live, human television.

Stevenson had initially chatted with a beaming "just glad to be here" Angie Smit at her first Games, who ran her heart out to finish fifth.

In the background was Hamblin, head down, hands on knees.

She walked away, then stopped and took a few steps back toward Stevenson.

She could have easily walked away.

Smit stepped back to allow Hamblin space, and Stevenson said very little other than "are you all right? - come here" and gave Hamblin a hug.

Not the first athlete he'd hugged but come on - it was raw emotion and a human reaction.

When Hamblin did speak, she was physically wrecked but held it together.

Stevenson did what all good interviewers should do - after making Hamblin comfortable and giving her the platform, he shut up and let her talk.

It was far more real than the BBC-esque clipped tones of yesteryear, far more real than the hyper toned commentary Stevenson occasionally injects into his rugby monologues.

It was real, it was human, and that's why we need our games.