The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games suffered a major blow ahead of last night’s opening ceremony when nine English athletes pulled out on the eve of the event.
Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and sprint star Dina Asher-Smith were the two leading lights to withdraw and they were joined by fellow Olympic medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita as well as 400m runner Amber Anning.
Hammer thrower Anna Purchase, middle distance runner Elliot Giles and sprinter Jona Efoloko also pulled out alongside steeplechaser Zac Seddon.
The loss of Olympic silver medallists Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith represents a significant blow to the competition’s organisers, with the former having been expected to target a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles having previously won gold in both Gold Coast and Birmingham.
Instead, she has chosen to prioritise the European Championships which are set to take place in Birmingham next month.
Johnson-Thompson has prioritised the upcoming European Championships in Birmingham
‘I’m gutted to have to pull out of this year’s Commonwealth Games,’ said Johnson-Thompson. ‘I was so looking forward to competing on home soil and having the chance to defend my Commonwealth title.
‘Although the injury I picked up earlier this season has improved, I haven’t been able to get back to the level I need to compete at my best.
‘After discussing it with my team, we’ve made the difficult decision to focus on giving myself the best chance of being ready for the European Championships. So I’m working very hard to be there later this season.
‘Missing a championship is never easy but I know it’s the right decision.’
The hectic schedule has presented a quandary for a number of leading athletes, including Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who decided not to pursue selection for the Glasgow Games.
Asher-Smith would have been one of the main draws in the women’s relay event in Glasgow
International stars who have previously pulled out of the Games include multiple Olympic swimming medallists Kaylee McKeown and Summer McIntosh of Australia and Canada respectively, Hodgkinson’s 800m rival, Mary Moraa of Kenya, and St Lucia’s 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred.
Away from the athletics track, triple Olympic gymnastics champion Max Whitlock was forced to call time on his comeback bid earlier this month due to injury.
These Games were supposed to be hosted by Australia in March, but the Victorian state pulled out due to budgetary pressure and Glasgow stepped in at late notice.
