It only lasted twelve days, but the 2018 Commonwealth Games left the Gold Coast with a legacy for years to come.
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Locals, businesses, infrastructure, and venues all continue to wear the mark of the Games, whether in the form of an economic boost, upgrades or simply a stronger love of sport.
The Gold Coast, too, managed to make an impression on the legion of visiting athletes in town for the Games - and not just as a golden suntan.
"The Gold Coast is an incredible place and has absolutely top-class facilities," says Don Parker, deputy Chef de Mission for Commonwealth Games England.
"And clearly, the weather is exactly what the athletes would want. They were blown away by the Gold Coast."
They weren't alone. Part of what initially secured the Games for the Gold Coast was the enviable lifestyle set against a backdrop of summery beaches. For athletes traversing the vast distance between the UK and Australia, the sun-soaked destination may be a reward in itself.
"Once they've made that long journey, I think the Gold Coast is absolutely perfect for warm weather training," Parker says.
"Everything was close by, from food to transport to venues. I think the Games village was probably the best I've ever stayed in."
A veteran of six Commonwealth Games beginning with Kuala Lumpur in 1998, Parker says the Gold Coast's strong sporting culture made a difference, even to visiting athletes.
"Australians are a very knowledgeable sporting crowd. When you went to the venues, they knew when to applaud, when not to applaud. They're passionate about supporting the Australian athletes, but at the same time, if a visiting athlete does well they applaud."
The jewels in the Gold Coast's Commonwealth Games crown were undoubtedly its venues. The city's versatility shone through in its ability to accommodate events in both venues built specifically for the Games, and in repurposed existing structures.
"What was outstanding was that through very clever planning, the organisers turned the movie studios on the Gold Coast into world-class facilities for boxing, table tennis, and squash," Parker says.
"The swimming pool was transformed from a 3,000-seater to being able to seat 20,000 people, and the atmosphere at that pool was incredible."
In early 2019, British Swimming will hold a training camp on the Gold Coast for its athletes to prepare for the year's events. Parker says the return is down to the positive experience of the Commonwealth Games.
"The only problem we have with Australia as a training facility is how far away it is. If it wasn't for the Commonwealth Games, we might be looking at somewhere a bit closer for training."
Twelve days was all it took to put the Gold Coast on the world map as a sporting residence. The city's venues have been booked out by a variety of sports events ever since. With the British Swimming crew set to return, that momentum will continue into the new year. To Parker, it's no surprise.
"2018 was undoubtedly a great Games, and the Gold Coast lifestyle is first class. It's just a wonderful place to be."
Australian Associated Press