Kiwi golden girl almost pulled out of CWG

WELLINGTON - Kiwi golden girl Alison Shanks has revealed she almost pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi due to fears over her safety.

Shanks, who claimed New Zealand’s first gold of the Games on Friday after edging rival Wendy Houvenaghel of Northern Ireland in the individual pursuit final, spent three weeks training in Bordeaux with the rest of the Kiwi track team before arriving in Delhi.

In the days prior to flying out of France, Shanks followed the spate of negative reports about the situation on the ground in India and says she seriously contemplated following road star Greg Henderson in withdrawing, Stuff.co.nz reports.

“There were a couple days there when we were in Bordeaux and there were a lot of media reports flying around. We were in a holding pattern and yes, for sure, thoughts of pulling out did go through my mind,” Shanks told Fairfax Media.

“I have to be honest, you do think about your safety at times like that and it’s a bigger priority than competing in a bike race. But in saying that, obviously I am so glad we came. The Games has been fantastic and there have been no problems at all,” she said.

“Security and safety has been fine and the venues have been fantastic. The reports beforehand were a little nerve-wracking and it put everyone on edge coming in to Delhi. But I think we are better people for coming out of it at the other end.”

Shanks will continue to compete in the IP at the track cycling world championships but says her main focus now is on preparing for the women’s team’s pursuit at the London Olympics in two years’ time. (ANI)