But its a decision she has yet to regret.

The Olympic gold medalist has now been retired for eight months and is enjoying life on the Gold Coast.

This morning, she flies in to Mount Isa to launch the inaugural Western Games, where she will act as the ambassador for the North Queensland Sports Foundation.

Yesterday, Carrigan said she was looking forward to returning to the copper city, in what will be her second visit to Mount Isa.

“Getting back to rural communities is always a highlight for me,” she said.

“The response you get from the public is amazing and because they don’t get many profile athletes visit them, they always relish the opportunity.”

Carrigan also said it was important to focus attention to country centres, as a high percentage of Australia’s elite Olympic athletes hailed from smaller communities.

“I’m from Gunnedah in New South Wales and it’s a small community. Whenever I go back there it’s always a thrill to see the town get behind you,” she said.

After months of planning, all seems set for a successful Western Games.

Mount Isa will be the hub for the games, although Cloncurry, Normanton, Karumba, Richmond, Stamford and Charters Towers will also host events.

Mount Isa will play host to athletics, lawn bowls, cycling, soccer, judo and tennis.

An under 17s rugby league match will be played in Cloncurry, dirt bike racing and horse sports in Richmond, shooting at Normanton, hockey in Karumba, foot races at Stamford, and netball at Charters Towers.

n For the Western Games draw, see inside.