Commonwealth Games 2026 hit by major star withdrawals as Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith lead England exits ahead of Glasgow action
Johnson-Thompson won silver at the 2024 Olympics and is a two-time world champion. Image Credit: Getty Images
The Commonwealth Games 2026 has suffered one of its biggest setbacks before the athletics competition even begins, with several of Britain’s biggest sporting names withdrawing from the Glasgow event. The late withdrawals of Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and Daryll Neita have raised fresh questions about the tournament’s ability to attract elite athletes following significant changes to this year’s edition.
The withdrawals come as Glasgow hosts a scaled-down Commonwealth Games, featuring fewer sports, smaller venues and a packed international athletics calendar that has forced many athletes to prioritize the upcoming European Championships.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson Withdraws with Injury
Two-time Commonwealth Games heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson confirmed she will not defend the title she won in both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
The Olympic silver medallist revealed that an injury sustained earlier this season has prevented her from reaching the level required to compete.
In a statement shared on social media, Johnson-Thompson described the decision as heartbreaking, saying she had hoped to compete on home soil before shifting her attention toward next month’s European Championships in Birmingham.
Team England replaced the 33-year-old with Niamh Emerson, who previously claimed bronze behind Johnson-Thompson at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Dina Asher-Smith Headlines Nine England Withdrawals
Johnson-Thompson is not the only major absentee.
Sprint star Dina Asher-Smith, Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith, European medallist Daryll Neita, Amber Anning, Zac Sneddon, Anna Purchase, Elliot Giles and Jona Efoloko also withdrew from England’s athletics squad on the opening day of the Games.
Many of the athletes had been expected to strengthen England’s medal chances in Glasgow. Their absence significantly reduces the star power of the athletics programme and represents a major disappointment for fans hoping to watch Britain’s biggest names compete.
While official reasons were not provided for every withdrawal, scheduling conflicts with the European Championships and injury management appear to be the primary factors.
European Championships Influence Athlete Decisions
The scheduling of the European Athletics Championships has become one of the biggest challenges facing the Commonwealth Games this year.
Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson previously announced she would skip Glasgow entirely to concentrate on defending her European title.
Johnson-Thompson has also confirmed that her focus is now on recovering in time for Birmingham, while several international athletes have made similar calculations as they prioritize competitions viewed as more significant within the global athletics calendar.
International Stars Also Miss Glasgow 2026
The list of missing stars extends far beyond Team England.
Olympic and world sprint champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia opted against travelling to Glasgow, while Jamaica’s world champion Oblique Seville will also be absent.
Botswana’s Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo and world 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi are among the notable names missing from athletics.
Swimming has also lost major attractions, with Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh choosing not to compete after her remarkable rise on the international stage.
Olympic gymnastics legend Max Whitlock earlier ruled himself out after suffering an injury during his attempted comeback.
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Glasgow Steps In After Hosting Crisis
The road to the Commonwealth Games 2026 has been anything but smooth.
The event was thrown into uncertainty after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew from hosting because of rapidly increasing projected costs worth billions of pounds.
Glasgow stepped forward to rescue the Games by offering a more financially sustainable model.
That rescue came with major compromises.
Only 10 sports feature at this year’s Games, compared to 19 sports during Birmingham 2022. Athletics has also moved from the 46,000-capacity Hampden Park used in 2014 to the much smaller Scotstoun Stadium, which seats just over 10,000 spectators.
Broadcasting Changes Mark a New Era
Another historic change comes away from competition.
For the first time since 1954, the Commonwealth Games will not be broadcast live by the BBC.
Broadcast rights were secured by TNT Sports, which plans more than 600 hours of live coverage, while Channel 5 will show nightly highlights and air the opening ceremony.
The broadcasting switch represents one of the biggest commercial changes in Commonwealth Games history.
India Begins Medal Hunt in Glasgow
While attention remains focused on Britain’s withdrawals, competition is already underway for many nations.
India entered Friday’s schedule with medal opportunities in powerlifting, gymnastics, boxing, swimming, para swimming, and lawn bowls.
Boxer Jadumani Singh, swimmers led by Srihari Nataraj, and para powerlifters including Ashok Kumar Malik, Parmjeet Kumar, Jaspreet Kaur, Suman Devi, Jhandu Kumar, and Sudhir are among India’s athletes aiming for podium finishes.
India also celebrated an early medal through boxer Lovlina Borgohain, adding momentum to its Glasgow campaign before the competition reaches full intensity.
Can the Commonwealth Games Maintain Its Global Appeal?
The 2026 edition was already under intense scrutiny after venue reductions, fewer sports and financial uncertainty.
Now, the withdrawal of many of athletics’ biggest stars has intensified debate over the future of the Commonwealth Games and its place within an increasingly crowded international sporting calendar.
Despite the challenges, Glasgow remains determined to deliver a successful competition, with world-class athletes such as Josh Kerr and Amy Hunt expected to headline the athletics programme as thousands of competitors continue chasing Commonwealth glory.
FAQ
Why did Katarina Johnson-Thompson withdraw from the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Katarina Johnson-Thompson withdrew because she has not fully recovered from an injury sustained earlier in the season. She said she wants to focus on being fully fit for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Why did Dina Asher-Smith pull out of the Commonwealth Games?
Dina Asher-Smith was among nine England athletes who withdrew before the Games began. While specific reasons were not detailed publicly, the crowded international athletics calendar and preparation for other championships have influenced several athletes’ decisions.
Who are the major athletes missing the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Notable absentees include:
- Katarina Johnson-Thompson
- Dina Asher-Smith
- Matthew Hudson-Smith
- Daryll Neita
- Keely Hodgkinson
- Julien Alfred
- Oblique Seville
- Letsile Tebogo
- Collen Kebinatshipi
- Summer McIntosh
- Max Whitlock
Why is the Commonwealth Games 2026 smaller than previous editions?
Glasgow agreed to host the Games after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew due to escalating costs. To keep the event financially viable, the Games were reduced from 19 sports in 2022 to just 10 sports in 2026.
Where are the Commonwealth Games 2026 being held?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are taking place in Glasgow, Scotland.
Which sports are included in the Commonwealth Games 2026?
The Games feature 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, boxing, lawn bowls, netball, weightlifting/powerlifting, track cycling, 3×3 basketball and para sports.
Why are many athletes skipping the Commonwealth Games?
Many athletes are prioritizing the European Athletics Championships and managing workloads after a demanding Olympic cycle. Injuries and the compressed international competition schedule have also contributed to withdrawals.
Who replaced Katarina Johnson-Thompson?
England selected Niamh Emerson to replace Johnson-Thompson in the heptathlon squad.
Will the BBC broadcast the Commonwealth Games 2026?
No. For the first time since 1954, the BBC does not hold the broadcasting rights. TNT Sports provides live coverage, while Channel 5 broadcasts highlights and the opening ceremony.
How can I watch the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Viewers in the UK can watch the Games live on TNT Sports, with selected coverage and nightly highlights available on Channel 5.
Who are the biggest stars still competing?
Athletes expected to feature include:
- Josh Kerr
- Amy Hunt
- Several leading gymnasts, swimmers, boxers and para-athletes from across the Commonwealth.
Why did Victoria withdraw as host?
Australia’s Victoria state pulled out after projected hosting costs increased dramatically, prompting Glasgow to step in with a reduced and more cost-effective version of the Games.
How many sports are at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
There are 10 sports, making it the smallest Commonwealth Games programme in decades.
What is India’s schedule at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
India’s athletes are competing in gymnastics, swimming, para swimming, lawn bowls, boxing and powerlifting, with multiple medal events scheduled throughout the opening days.
Could the Commonwealth Games be discontinued in the future?
The Games continue to face financial and scheduling challenges, but Glasgow’s successful rescue of the 2026 edition and Ahmedabad’s selection to host the centenary Games in 2030 indicate that the competition still has long-term support despite ongoing debates about its future.