Aussie sports stars slam Victoria’s shock decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The decision to pull the plug on the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be held in regional Victoria has been criticized by Australian sports stars and coaches.

The reason behind the shock decision is due to the state’s money problems, with Victoria’s projected debt of $135.4 billion in 2024 rising to $171.4 billion in 2026-27.

In a dramatic press conference on Tuesday, Mr Andrews said a cost blowout had forced the government’s decision.

Reacting to the shocking decision on Tuesday, a slew of Australian athletes and sports personalities were outraged.

“It’s really disappointing,” retired swimmer James Magnussen told SEN radio.

Emma McKeon described Victoria’s decision to pull the plug as ‘disappointing’

The Commonwealth Games hold a special place in the hearts of Australian athletes. We don’t have a grand final every year like in the football codes. We train all year round to perform often once a year.

“You have a World Cup year, you have a Comm Games year, and you have an Olympic year. Take that out of the cycle and we race once every two years.”

Fellow swimmer Emma McKeon said the decision was disappointing.

“The Commonwealth Games have given me so many great memories and some of the best experiences of my life,” she said.

“They have helped me a lot to get to the level I have in swimming, and a home race also provides an opportunity to inspire young Aussies to chase their dreams. […] it is disappointing to hear this news.’

Retired tennis star Sam Groth lamented the decision on Twitter, writing: “The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Andrews Labor government have failed regional Victoria.

“It’s embarrassing and it’s hugely damaging to our international reputation as a global event leader. Labor can no longer be believed as it continues to break its promises.’

Groth went on to say that Labor cannot be believed for long as it continues to break promises.

Champion beach volleyball star Natalie Cook also lashed out after hearing the shocking news.

“It’s not often I’m speechless, but when you hear news like this, it’s terrible,” Cook said.

“It is a huge blow to our athletes and the green and gold runway we set up to enter Brisbane 2032.

Retired tennis star Sam Groth called the decision an embarrassment and hugely damaging to Australia’s international reputation

Beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook said she was left speechless after the announcement

Iconic sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney said Australia should be ashamed

“We were so well placed for our multi-sport athletes and were ready to show Australia the best of what we have on home soil. Now there is a hole in the road.

“For Comm Games sports like netball, esports and bowls, this is devastating.”

Iconic sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney said Australia should be ashamed of the ridiculous decision to scrap the event.

Speaking on 3AW Radio, McAvaney expressed shock and disappointment at Tuesday’s announcement and admitted he feared for the future of the event.

‘It’s a big shock. I didn’t see it coming,” McAvaney told 3AW.

“This is now a huge challenge to his future, and from Australia’s point of view and Victoria’s point of view… that it is so late… it’s a shame.”

Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor hopes the event will be rescheduled, describing those Games as crucial ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“It’s disappointing for the Australian public to miss that event which we know is a great opportunity for our athletes to represent their country,” Taylor told AAP.

Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor is deeply disappointed by the shocking news

“I’m disappointed they don’t get the chance to do that… athletes perform in front of a home crowd.

“Hopefully we will see what is the option that the Commonwealth Games Federation comes up with where it can be hosted.

‘That is a very important competition, not only for swimming, but for our country.

“Hopefully it will be moved elsewhere.”

Hockey Australia boss David Pryles described the news as ‘incredibly disappointing’.

“Very rarely do we get the chance to host major sporting events within the Olympic and Commonwealth Games family and it’s an opportunity for our athletes to compete in front of family and friends when they compete abroad for most of the year,” Pryles told Code Sports.

“Now that we are here as CEO of Hockey Australia, our Kookaburras have won seven gold medals in a row and our Hockey Roses clearly have a proud track record too, so any chance to showcase them is something we want to do, especially in Australia.”