Rebecca's silver

Rebecca Madyson's silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is a first for Malta. Most Maltese won't mind that she had hoped to represent Australia, where she has spent her life. Malta was her second choice but she was equally proud of her achievement. It's the flag that counts. Writing for Melbourne Herald Sun in Australia, Kelly Ryan tells the story of Rebecca's Malta connection:

Four years ago, a medical error that led to a pregnancy all but blasted trap shooter Rebecca Madyson's Commonwealth Games dream out of the sky. Yesterday, the Morwell mum finally realised it, potting a silver medal. But the career glitch motherhood entailed meant she was shooting not for Australia, but Malta -- and bizarrely, she was pregnant again...So, knowing she would not be in Australia's team at Melbourne 2006, she offered a year ago to shoot for Malta, from where her father and coach, Joe Attard, hailed..

Madyson agreed, and was proud to don Malta's red and white yesterday. "It makes no difference who I represent -- I love Australia and Malta equally, and it was the competition that was important," she said. But it wasn't easy. Heavy with baby, bullets in her pockets and a double-barrelled shotgun over her arm, she was forced to rush from the range in a waddle between rounds. "Out of the way, mate -- I am busting," she called as she headed for a toilet.

With a fervent crowd of Maltese Melburnians watching, Madyson said a silver medal felt good. A proud Mr Attard couldn't agree more. "Australians and Maltese have always enjoyed a warm friendship, so this will only make the bond stronger," he said...Husband Jamie, clutching their daughter yesterday, expects his wife will now be invited to Malta for a civic reception. "Malta never wins medals -- the country is too small," he said. "It's not like Australia, where medals are expected. She will be a hero there -- although she is that and more already to us, her family at home in Melbourne."