Commonwealth Games Future: Laura Kenny Concerns
- Five-time Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny has expressed apprehension regarding the future of the Commonwealth Games, despite Glasgow's agreement to host the 2026 event.
- Kenny emphasized the need to ensure the commonwealth Games remain a key sporting event.
- Several cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton, and Adelaide, previously withdrew bids to host the 2026 Games, citing cost concerns.
Dame Laura Kenny, teh newly appointed president of Commonwealth Games England, voices serious concerns about the future of the Commonwealth Games. Following Victoria, Australia’s withdrawal, Glasgow has stepped in to rescue the 2026 event, but Kenny is anxious about it’s long-term prospects. The five-time Olympic champion hopes Glasgow can prove the Games’ viability after several cities, driven by cost issues, previously withdrew their bids. Kenny acknowledges the slimmed-down version is ”gutting” for some sports. News Directory 3 reports on the structural review underway. Can Glasgow’s hosting, echoing the success seen in 2014, reassure and energize the event? Discover what’s next.
Laura Kenny Voices Concern Over Commonwealth Games Future
Updated May 31, 2025
Five-time Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny has expressed apprehension regarding the future of the Commonwealth Games, despite Glasgow’s agreement to host the 2026 event. Kenny, recently appointed president of Commonwealth Games England (CGE), hopes the Glasgow Games will demonstrate the event’s continued viability.
Kenny emphasized the need to ensure the commonwealth Games remain a key sporting event. Her comments follow Victoria, Australia’s withdrawal as host of the 2026 Games due to escalating costs, prompting Glasgow to offer a scaled-down version.
Several cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton, and Adelaide, previously withdrew bids to host the 2026 Games, citing cost concerns. This left the Games without a host until Victoria stepped in during 2023.
Kenny told BBC Radio 4 that she is grateful to Glasgow for agreeing to host the Games. She acknowledged the slimmed-down version is “gutting” for some sports. she added that she was initially nervous that the Games “might not be a thing any more” when there was no host.
“There is a worry,” Kenny said. ”You have to worry and be a bit concerned. I’m just hoping that all the research they are putting into how to make it better and what they can do to attract hosts will actually work. I hope that everything they put in will validate that it is still a key event.”
The Commonwealth Games are undergoing a structural review to improve accessibility and attract future hosts, Kenny noted. She hopes Glasgow’s hosting will mirror the success of the 2014 Games, proving the event’s enduring appeal and viability as a major sporting event.
What’s next
Organizers will continue to refine the Commonwealth Games structure, aiming to secure future hosts and ensure the event’s long-term success and relevance in the international sporting landscape.