Sporting world dismayed by Victoria’s withdrawal as host of 2026 Commonwealth Games

• Australian Athletes and bodies express disappointment
• International federation says it was blindsided by announcement

Current and former athletes have criticised the Victorian government's shock decision to pull out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, while the head of the Games in Australia called it absolutely embarrassing".

The most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history, swimmer Emma McKeon, said the events inspire young Aussies to go after their dreams".