Tom Walsh blindsided by cancelled Commonwealth Games

Tom Walsh of New Zealand competes in the Men’s Shot Put Final at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Two-time Commonwealth Games shot put champion Tom Walsh says he was blindsided by the news that Victoria had cancelled its plans to host the 2026 Games due to budget blow-outs.

The Commonwealth Games Federation struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.

But the Victorian premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become “well and truly too much” for the state to bear.

The CGF called the decision “hugely disappointing” and said it is “committed to finding a solution”.

Walsh, who is in Europe, says he thought it was a joke when he first heard the news.

“It is very disappointing, it’s almost a home games and it would have meant a lot of Kiwis would have had a lot of family and friends go over and watch them compete.

While the Commonwealth Games Federation is now looking to find an alternate venue, Walsh isn’t sure if it would be possible.

“It would be a real shame if we didn’t get to have another one.

“Obviously you’d think of the UK or Canada that would have the facilities and financial backing, but it’s a tough one for sure.”

Walsh says the UK has always held a very successful games.

“The English know how to put on sporting events and from my point of view the fans in Birmingham (2022) were awesome and amazing and it wouldn’t be a shame if we had to go back there for sure.”

Walsh says while he initially only thought about the impact for him, he now appreciates what it means for the sports that have the Commonwealth Games as their premier event.

“That kind of takes out one of their big things for sure. I have World Championships, Olympic Games and Diamond League…. it’s definitely more gutting for sports like bowls than for track and field.”

Tom Walsh of New Zealand celebrates winning the Gold medal at the Men’s Shot Put Final at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Walsh says it is important for athletes to have goals like the Commonwealth Games to aim for.

“When we had Covid it took away direction and that goal.

“The big goal of world championships, Olympics and Commonwealth Games does drive so much of what you do, it gets you up in the morning and it allows you to wear the black singlet.

“To have that taken away is really tough and shitty.”

He believes the Commonwealth Games still has a place on the calendar.

“For New Zealand and New Zealanders it’s a massive thing still.

“Maybe we should hold it in New Zealand and maybe we should put some pressure on the politicians to put their hand up for it.

Meanwhile Walsh finished third at the Continental Tour meeting in Hungary.

Walsh threw 21.85 metres.

American’s Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs were first and second.

-RNZ