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

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

The reason behind the shock decision stems from the state’s financial woes, with Victoria’s debt forecast at $135.4 billion in 2024 rising to $171.4 billion by 2026-27.

In a dramatic press conference on Tuesday, Andrews said an explosion in costs had forced the government’s decision.

Reacting to Tuesday’s shock decision, a host of Australian athletes and sports personalities were furious.

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

Emma McKeon described Victoria’s decision to pull the plug on the Games 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 football codes. We train throughout the year to perform often once a year.

‘You have a world champions year, you have a Comm Games year and you have an Olympics year. Take that out of the loop and we’ll race once every two years.

Fellow swim star Emma McKeon said the decision was disappointing.

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

“They have been a huge part in helping me reach the levels I am in swimming, and the home Games also provide an opportunity to inspire young Australians to pursue their dreams.” […] it is disappointing to hear this news.’

Retired tennis star Sam Groth took to Twitter to complain about the decision, writing: “The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Andrews Labor Government have failed Region Victoria.

“This is disgraceful and is doing enormous damage to our international reputation as a world leader in events. Can’t believe in the work anymore as it keeps breaking its promises.’

Groth went on to say that Labor cannot be believed for long as they continue to renege on their promises.

Beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook also lashed out after hearing the shocking news.

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

“It’s a huge blow to our athletes and the green and gold track we had laid out ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Retired tennis star Sam Groth called the decision an embarrassment and great damage to Australia’s international reputation.

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

Iconic sportscaster Bruce McAvaney said Australia should be ashamed

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

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

Iconic sportscaster Bruce McAvaney said Australia should be ashamed of the ridiculous decision to cancel the event.

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

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

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

Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor hopes the event will relocate, describing those Games as crucial in the build-up to the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.

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

Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor is very disappointed with the shocking news.

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

“Hopefully we’ll see what the Commonwealth Games Federation option is, where it could be organized.”

‘That’s a really important competition not only for swimming but also for our nation.

“Hopefully it will be relocated elsewhere.”

Hockey Australia boss David Pryles described the news as “incredibly disappointing”.

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

“Sitting here as CEO of Hockey Australia, our Kookaburras have won seven gold medals in a row and our Hockeyroos obviously have a proud record as well, so any chance to show them off, we want to do it, especially in Australia.”