Commonwealth Games cancellation: Former champions condemn ‘slap in the face’ from Daniel Andrews
Champion athletes have been left devastated by the ‘embarrassing’ axing of the Commonwealth Games.
Seventeen years after the Commonwealth Games changed John Steffensen’s life, the 400m gold medal winner, like so many athletes, was left in shock when Victoria’s 2026 Games were called off.
It hit Steffensen hard not only because of his athletic history but because he was also part of the Greater Victorian Games Bid taskforce. He told The Australian the axing was a “slap in the face” to Victorians. “I was completely shocked when I heard the news and I thought ‘this is a huge embarrassment to not only Victoria, but to Australia’,” Steffensen said.
“And my next question was how? What do you mean? I’ve been privileged enough to be part of the Commonwealth Games taskforce to try and win the Games and so I sort of knew what the costings were. It is definitely not what they are predicting it to be ($7bn) if it is done properly. I think it’s a huge blow for the Victorian government – for Joe Citizen it’s a huge slap in the face as well.”
Joining Steffensen was a chorus of athletes, including world and Olympic champion swimmer Emma McKeon, former national netball captain Caitlin Bassett, runner Tamsyn Manou and swimmer James Magnussen, who all spoke of their “disappointment”. Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth, now Victorian opposition tourism, sport and events spokesman, described the decision as “embarrassing”.
In 2017 Steffensen became an ambassador and was on the taskforce for Victoria’s then 2030 Commonwealth Games bid.
The 13-member taskforce was appointed to commence stage one of the work in exploring the possibility of a regional bid. It was chaired by former Swisse Wellness managing director Adem Karafili and Opals star Lauren Jackson was on board, as was Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe.
Steffensen said the entire taskforce was aware of the cost of the Games and hoped the legacy would be of benefit to the community, as well inspiring “tomorrow’s leaders and youth”.
“Everybody was very cognisant of that, of making sure that it didn‘t hit Victorians where it hurt and we weren’t wasting money,” he said. “And that’s essentially what sometimes some of these big circus events do – so for that to be the excuse or … the reason (for their axing) … I find it hard to believe.”
Bassett questioned the cost the Victorian government tabled.
“$7bn – what, how is that possible? Birmingham’s budget, as I understand, it was nothing near that,” the former Diamonds captain said.
“I find it so confusing. It’s absolutely disappointing, it would have been taking this to the communities and now they’re missing out. Do we not value sport anymore?”
Manou (nee Lewis), who won three Commonwealth gold medals in the women’s 4x400m relay, said she was disappointed for athletes – and aspiring athletes – who would not get a chance to compete at home in 2026.
“I’m shocked and disappointed for the athletes who had dreams to compete in front of a home crowd, and also upset for the next generation, like my kids, who could have drawn inspiration from having a Games in their backyard,” she said.
“I understand Victorians have been through a lot under this government through Covid and I’d like to think a sporting event like the Women’s World Cup that’s about to start and the Commonwealth Games brings hope and joy and inspiration to many.”
Steffensen has faith the axing it won’t sink the event into oblivion.
“I think the Commonwealth Games is here to stay,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t ideal … for the Commonwealth Games but nothing it can’t overcome.”
He said he hopes the event is picked up by another state or city.
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