England’s athletics team has faced a significant setback ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with nine athletes withdrawing shortly before the event’s start. Among those pulling out are high-profile competitors including two-time heptathlon gold medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson and sprint star Dina Asher-Smith.
Johnson-Thompson, who was aiming for a third consecutive Commonwealth heptathlon title, cited an injury sustained earlier this season that had improved but left her unable to perform at the required level. She announced her withdrawal with the intention of focusing on the European Championships in Birmingham scheduled for next month. “I’m gutted to have to pull out,” she said, emphasizing the difficulty of missing a championship on home soil but noting the decision was aimed at optimizing her future performance.
Dina Asher-Smith also opted out of the Games, withdrawing from the women’s 4x100 metres relay squad. Other Olympic medallists who have withdrawn include Matthew Hudson-Smith, Daryll Neita, and Amber Anning. Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800 metres champion, was not even available for selection, as she too prioritized the European Championships amid the tightly packed athletics calendar.
The withdrawals have raised questions about the Commonwealth Games’ standing and appeal in the international sporting calendar. The event’s organizers have faced ongoing challenges, including a reduction in the number of events to half compared to the previous Games in Birmingham four years ago, as Scotland stepped in to host after the original hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, withdrew due to rising costs. This streamlined format was intended to create a sustainable model for the Games, which have often struggled with relevance and financial viability.
Despite the absence of multiple star athletes, some prominent competitors remain, including Scotland’s Josh Kerr, fresh from breaking the world mile record, and swimmer Duncan Scott. The opening ceremony took place at the Hydro arena on Glasgow’s Clydeside, marking the start of the ten-day competition.
The scheduling conflicts caused by the European Championships and other major athletics events appear to have contributed heavily to the exodus of top-tier athletes. Some observers note the congestion of the international calendar has forced athletes to make difficult choices, while others see it as indicative of the Commonwealth Games’ diminished place in elite athletics.
Broadcast coverage has also shifted, with the BBC no longer holding the live broadcast rights after 18 consecutive Games; instead, the majority of live coverage is being carried by a subscription-based sports channel, which may impact the event’s visibility and public engagement.
Overall, the withdrawals have dealt a blow to England’s medal prospects in Glasgow and have fueled broader debate over the future positioning and significance of the Commonwealth Games on the global sporting stage.