It is with great disappointment that we hear the news only today of the Victorian Government’s decision to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games has long played a vital role in uniting the Australian community through the power of sport but it has also been instrumental in the development of athletics as well as other sports that rely on opportunities like these to grow. Over the years, the Games has provided a pathway for Australian track and field athletes en route to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and today’s announcement, just three years out, is only going to be to the detriment of the Games, the athletes and the sports.
The Victorian Government’s decentralised regional delivery model was ambitious, but we were encouraged by the impact this could have on the wider Australian community. While we are pleased that the much-needed regional athletics facility, that was to be used as a warm-up venue during the Games, will still proceed in Ballarat, there are a number of other benefits a home Games could have provided our sport. Including for example, the recruitment and revitalisation of an extensive volunteer cohort, which provides the backbone for athletics competitions around the country.
Australia has a rich history at the Commonwealth Games and our athletics team has consistently showcased exceptional performances. At both Birmingham and on home shores on the Gold Coast, the Australian Athletics Team finished as the number one nation. The sold-out Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006 stands as a testament to the immense support for athletics in this country and remains a true sporting highlight for athletes, participants of the sport and fans alike.
The withdrawal now represents a missed opportunity to further elevate athletics in Australia and inspire generations to come. While we are hearing this news as it unfolds, we acknowledge that there is now a significant amount of work to be done. Athletics Australia stands ready to collaborate closely with Commonwealth Games Australia, the State and Federal Government to navigate the challenges now presented by the cancellation of the Victorian Games.
Peter Bromley
Chief Executive Officer
Athletics Australia