Malta’s athletes will depart for the Commonwealth Games this Wednesday, which will be held in Melbourne, Australia.

This time round, there are higher expectations of performance from both Malta Olympic Committee President Lino Farrugia Sacco and Director of Sport Pippo Psaila. We must of course, be realistic. A couple of our athletes do have a good chance of landing a medal - in particular our shooting prodigy William Chetcuti, who will also be our flag bearer.

Angela Galea – perhaps our most consistent swimmer – might not be tipped for a medal, but she and all her colleagues have stressed that they want to improve national records in as many disciplines as possible. One must also bear in mind that national records are being improved the more time goes on.

One thing we must avoid, however, is the “Malta syndrome”. As a nation of fans, we always start out very enthusiastically giving our support to all those concerned. Yet, as soon as it appears that the athlete (whatever the sport) does not meet the expectations of the crowd – we turn on them.

This is not fair. Of course, the nation has every right to be angry if an athlete simply does not do his or her best, but when they give that 110 per cent, we should back them and give them all the support possible. One can only ask that these people do their very best and emerge with their head held high. But again, we must avoid lambasting our athletes if they do not compare wit the best in the world.

Let’s be honest – although things have improved in the last years, funding is still very limited – as is the opportunity to find top of the range coaches. These people, kids some of them, go to work and work their guts out afterwards. Most have to go to work, just as the rest of us, and find the time and money to train while not neglecting their families or their studies.

As we have already said, as long as they do their level best and put that extra effort in, the nation will be proud of them. We must of course bear in mind that our athletes do suffer with their confidence. Far from trying to coach them though, what we will say is that they should not be nervous. They have qualified and again, all they can do is their best.

Some of the athletes are going to Melbourne with the aim of smashing their personal best records, or a national record – and it must be said, this is a good positive frame of mind to be in. We just hope that the athletes will hold their mettle once on the big stage.

Whatever their result, they can rest assured that this will be the experience of a lifetime for them. Also worth bearing in mind is the huge contingent of Maltese immigrants who live in Australia. While Maltese in the Mediterranean will understand that their loyalties will be split, we can only hope that our cousins down under will support those who wear the Red and White Kit. Unfortunately, it will be difficult for any local support to get there, but if our athletes can at least look into the stands and see that people are urging them on – they might reach their goals. Good luck guys – just do your best and Malta will be proud!