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SportsJohnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith withdraw from 2026 Commonwealth Games
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England's medal hopes Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith have withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Johnson-Thompson, a two-time heptathlon gold medalist (2018, 2022), was a favorite for the event, while Asher-Smith was set to compete in relays. Other notable English athletes pulling out include Olympic medalists Matthew Hudson-Smith, Daryll Neita, Amber Anning, Zac Sneddon, Anna Purchase, Elliot Giles, and Jona Efoloko. Additionally, England netball star Natalie Metcalf withdrew due to a calf injury and has been replaced by Ella Clark. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday night, with medals awarded from Friday through August 2.
Source report
Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and netball star Natalie Metcalf among those pulling out of the Games.
England's medal hopes have suffered a series of setbacks as several high-profile athletes have withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson, a favourite for the heptathlon after winning gold at the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham 2022, has pulled out. Dina Asher-Smith, who was set to compete in the relays, has also withdrawn.
Other Olympic medallists to announce their withdrawals include:
- Matthew Hudson-Smith
- Daryll Neita
- Amber Anning
- Zac Sneddon
- Anna Purchase
- Elliot Giles
- Jona Efoloko
On Thursday, England netball star Natalie Metcalf also withdrew from the Games due to a calf injury. Metcalf was part of the 2018 squad that won Commonwealth gold in Australia. She has been replaced by Ella Clark.
The opening ceremony in Glasgow takes place on Thursday night, with the first medals awarded on Friday. Competition continues through to the final day on Sunday, August 2.
More to follow...
Source
SkySports | NewsWestern
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Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith Withdraw from 2026 Commonwealth Games