Dame Laura Kenny says “there’s a fear” over the way forward for the Commonwealth Video games however hopes subsequent 12 months’s occasion in Glasgow proves it’s nonetheless “viable”.
Glasgow stepped in to host a scaled-down model of the 2026 Video games after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew final 12 months due to rising prices.
“There’s a fear,” stated Kenny, who was this week appointed Commonwealth Video games England (CGE) president. “It’s important to fear and be a bit involved.
“I am simply hoping that every one the analysis they’re placing into how you can make it higher and what they’ll do to draw hosts will really work.
“I hope that every little thing they put in will validate that it’s nonetheless a key occasion.”
Bids from Kuala Lumpur, Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton and Adelaide to host the 2026 Video games have been withdrawn due to issues over prices, leaving it and not using a host till Victoria stepped in in 2023.
5-time Olympic observe biking champion Kenny instructed Radio 4’s Immediately programme: “I really feel so grateful to Glasgow for placing their fingers up and saying they are going to have it.
“It is gutting for some sports activities as a result of it’s a slimmed-down model. Initially when there was no host, I used to be a bit nervous and I used to be a bit fearful that it may not be a factor any extra.
“The Commonwealth Video games are actually trying into the construction of it, how they’ll enhance it, how they’ll make it extra accessible, make it larger and higher in order that hosts step ahead.
“I actually hope it goes was effectively because it went when Glasgow had it earlier than (in 2014) after which they’ll see it’s nonetheless viable and a extremely good sporting occasion that everybody loves.”
The Commonwealth Video games was first staged in 1930, when it was generally known as the British Empire Video games.
The 2030 Video games can be held in Hamilton in Canada.
