Adelaide’s golden girl Jess Stenson wants Comm Games held in SA

Our own Commonwealth Games golden girl Jessica Stenson knows Adelaide can host big events and wants it to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Melbourne’s humiliating debacle.

Marathon mum Jessica Stenson is shocked and disappointed at the Victorian Government’s sudden decision to dump the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she was hoping to compete.

The athlete – who famously won gold in the women’s marathon at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 following bronze at the Gold Coast in 2018 and bronze in Glasgow 2014 – is hoping Adelaide will step up as host city, despite the state government ruling it out.

Jessica Stenson of Team Australia celebrates winning gold in the women's marathon at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Dylan and Jessica Stenson and their baby boy Billy Samuel pictured shortly after his birth in 2019. Picture: Supplied by Jessica Stenson.

“I didn’t see it coming,” she said of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ decision to renege on host duties.

“I know building costs and expenses have increased and it does put a strain on host cities but this is very disappointing, particularly for Australian athletes.

“I know how valuable a home games is – for me having family and friends at the Gold Coast took my running to another level.”

Mrs Stenson, 35, is due to give birth to her second child in September and said while it would be a huge challenge to make the Paris 2024 Olympic team, she was hoping to compete in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The physiotherapist is now holidaying in Queensland and said her immediate thought was whether the Gold Coast could again host the games, but understands the athletes’ village has been converted to student accommodation.

“If we were in a position to put our hand up I think we would do an incredible job – Peter Malinauskas has already shown he can take on a sporting challenge with success,” she said.

“Everything is pretty close, we do rise to a challenge and locals do embrace big events.

“Australian athletes love to compete in big events on home soil, it is great for up-and-coming champions to have home support and it is also important for those at the later stages of their careers because it is a lot to ask your family to travel overseas yet again to support you.

“I genuinely believe it was the home crowd that got me to the finish line at the Gold Coast, they helped me squeeze absolutely everything out that I had to give.
“Most of all I hope it doesn’t mean 2026 is just cancelled, that would be terrible.”

Originally published as Adelaide’s golden girl Jess Stenson wants Comm Games held in SA