Aussie swim coach shocked at Comm Games decision

Steve Larkin | July 18, 2023

The head coach of Australia’s most successful Commonwealth Games sport is shocked by Victoria’s decision to pull out of hosting the 2026 Games.

But Swimming Australia’s head coach Rohan Taylor hopes the 2026 edition will be relocated, describing those Games as crucial in the build-up to Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics.

“It’s disappointing for the Australian public to miss out on having that event which we know is a great opportunity for our athletes to represent their country,” Taylor told AAP.

“I’m disappointed they are not going to get the opportunity to do that … athletes perform in front of home crowds.

“Hopefully we will see what the option that the Commonwealth Games Federation come up with, where it could be hosted.

“That’s a really important competition for not only swimming but our nation.

“Hopefully it will be relocated somewhere else.

“Particularly with the build-up to Brisbane (Olympics), it’s always ghood to have international competition.”

Swimmers have dominated Australia’s medal hauls at Commonwealth Games, claiming 734 of the nation’s 2596 medals overall.

Swimmers have won 307 of Australia’s 1001 gold medals, the most of any country at the Commonwealth Games.