Leon Fleisher reflects on memorable Commonwealth Games journey with Team SA

The experienced administrator has served Team South Africa in several roles over the years, including chef de mission, deputy chef de mission and other leadership positions.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Fleisher reflected on his long journey at the Games, saying the event continues to play a vital role in developing future stars. 

He has witnessed athletes such as Chad le Clos, Khotso Mokoena and Caster Semenya use the Commonwealth Games as a stepping stone to international success. 

Of all the editions he has attended, Fleisher says the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games remains his favourite. 

This year's Games will take place in Scotland from 23 July to 2 August. 

"So my first Commonwealth Games was a year after we started at SASCOC in 2006 in Melbourne. I didn't do 2010 in India, but I did do 2014 in Glasgow, 2018 in Gold Coast, 2022 in Birmingham and now these ones. I think Melbourne stands out because it was my first one and very well run, really successful games as well for South Africa," said Fleisher

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"It's sort of the standout, but every one of them has something special, you know. The thing I'll always remember about Glasgow was the Rugby Sevens winning a gold for the first time, beating New Zealand and seeing how our medical team worked on them the night before that final."

"Brisbane was a bit bittersweet and I'll tell you why. We were supposed to host 2022 and I think that would have been the highlight of my sporting career to work on a hosting in my own country, but Brisbane was run very well. Gold Coast was exceptional, but I say the standout was probably Melbourne, just purely because it was my first games and it was very special."

Fleisher, who also served as Team South Africa's chef de mission at the Paris Olympic Games two years ago, says the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were among the best organised events he has attended. 

He praised the athletes' village, world-class facilities and overall organisation.

This year's Games, however, will be different, with no central athletes' village as teams will instead be accommodated in hotels across the city.

Returning to Glasgow 12 years after his previous visit, Fleisher says he expects another professionally organised event. 

The Team SA official, who also served as chef de mission at last year's African Youth Games in Luanda, believes Scotland will once again deliver outstanding venues, efficient operations and a great experience for athletes. 

The longest-serving member of the SASCOC staff says the Commonwealth Games provide an important opportunity to measure Team South Africa's progress ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

He believes the competition offers valuable international experience and helps identify areas that need improvement before the next Olympic cycle.

South Africa was originally awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban before the hosting rights were withdrawn. 

Fleisher says one of his biggest dreams is still to see South Africa successfully host the Commonwealth Games in the future, believing it would be a proud moment for the country and the continent.