The Commonwealth Games will begin on Friday (AEST) in Glasgow, Scotland, with over 250 Aussies competing.
These Games were meant to be held in regional towns across Victoria, but the State Government pulled out in 2023, citing funding issues.
Here’s what to know about the event.
Background
Held every four years, the Commonwealth Games are open to the 74 countries and territories that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations (originally the British Empire), including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England, and India.
Given there was not enough time to build new infrastructure following the change of location, Glasgow is delivering a scaled-back event across four existing venues close together.
Events
The events are athletics, swimming, track cycling, artistic gymnastics, netball, boxing, judo, weightlifting, bowls and 3x3 basketball.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
The CommGames is unique on the international sporting calendar because para and able-bodied athletes compete alongside each other at the same event, with para medals counting towards the same national tally.
Most medal events will be held in the early hours of the morning, Australian time, and will be available on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Aussie team
The Australian team topped the medal table at the last CommGames in Birmingham in 2022.
While some of our best medal hopes are missing the Games - including Olympic champion swimmer Kaylee McKeown, and athletics young gun Gout Gout - there are plenty of stars to watch.
In athletics, Olympic medallists Nina Kennedy, Nicola Olyslagers, and Jemima Montag will go for gold in pole vault, high jump, and the 10km walk respectively.
Plus, Lachlan Kennedy and new record-holder Torrie Lewis will be seeking glory on the track in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.
Australia’s team features a record number of Indigenous athletes, with five, including para-athletes Briseis Brittain and Thomas McGough in the 200m and 100m.
