Victoria has announced its withdrawal as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to escalating costs.
The initial budget of $2.6 billion has now skyrocketed to an estimated $6 billion or even $7 billion, making it financially unfeasible for the state.
The plan for a predominantly regional Games involving Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland has also been abandoned.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews emphasized that diverting such a substantial amount of funding from essential services like hospitals and schools for a 12-day sporting event is not justifiable. Discussions are underway between the government and Commonwealth Games authorities regarding the termination of their contract.
The Commonwealth Games Federation expressed deep disappointment with Victoria’s sudden decision, highlighting the lack of prior consultation and collaborative problem-solving. Birmingham’s successful hosting of last year’s Games, prioritizing sustainability and utilizing existing venues, serves as an example of a carbon-neutral legacy for major sporting events.
pretty cool mate good work
big well done to Hayden, congrats to him, sucks that the britland took the 1st, quite sad, but that part of the game, wish we won though, well done to GB and everybody else, New Zealand deserved it.
2028 LA Olympics here we go!!
amazing
good
Good job Hayden you gave it all you had
Amazing, I can’t believe we got silver, maybe we can win the Olympics if we try hard! Go boy!
Hayden must have showed a lot of the Olympic values to help Alex across the finish line
Hayden must have trained a lot to win a silver medal for us