Commonwealth Games 2014: Ones to watch

Valerie Adams is the world's most dominant shot putter. Photo / Getty Images

The XX Commonwealth Games open on Thursday morning with New Zealand sending 232 athletes to the quadrennial gathering of outposts from the former British Empire. The Herald On Sunday looks at 12 intriguing participants to follow at the event which, for several competitors, will be the pinnacle of their sporting achievement.

Words: Andrew Alderson Illustrations: Paul Slater and Phil Welch