Regional athletes from around Victoria, Australia on Tuesday, June 20 came together to celebrate 1000 days to go to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nine-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Australian Chef de Mission, Petria Thomas OAM, said there was more enthusiasm than ever for Victoria 2026.
“If the Games were a relay, we’d be at the first change with three legs to go,” she said.
“There are 1000 days to go, and the countdown to the Opening Ceremony has begun. Our Team will be ready, and we’re confident the host communities in Victoria and sports fans across Australia are looking forward to cheering us on.”
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, Katie Sadleir said she is thrilled with the enthusiasm and excitement shown by the people of Victoria.
She added: “I’m delighted to see local athletes share their passion and commitment ahead of what promises to be a spectacular, multi-city Commonwealth Games in Victoria. These Games are truly trailblazing, and I’m already looking forward to them kicking off in a 1,000 days time.”
Cycling – BMX, will be one of three sports, alongside Golf and Coastal Rowing, that will make their Commonwealth Games debut in 2026.
Shepparton’s Cooper Bromley has been racing BMX bikes in Australia and overseas since he was six.
“BMX is new in the Commonwealth Games and it’s exciting because the athletes get to show their hard work at a world class level,” Cooper, 22, said.
“It’s a dream come true to have my heroes come to Shepparton and seeing them compete.’’
Geelong Para triathlete Jeremy Peacock has represented Australia on the world stage and is proud to see the rise in all Para sports, not just triathlon.
“It is awesome to see. It really showcases us as Para athletes. We can showcase the same true grit, determination, and tenacity that able-bodied athletes do,’’ Jeremy said.
Ballarat’s Molly Fraser, 17, fell in love with athletics when she was six. She won Triple Jump gold at this year’s under-18 Australian Championships and has ‘“big dreams’’.
“A lot of things need to go right, but I’m hoping I can compete at the Commonwealth Games,’’ Molly said. “Especially because it is in my hometown, which is something that is out of this world.”
Elite netballer Ruby Barkmeyer, 22, was inspired as a child when international teams played in her hometown of Bendigo.
I’m most excited to see some of my past coaches and family members able to go and watch the sport they love,’’ Ruby said.
“There are lots of young kids really excited to see some of the best athletes in the world playing in their backyard.’’
Gippsland duo Alicia Cook, 16, and Stuart Ottrey, 18, are thrilled that elite Badminton players are coming to their region in 2026 and the boost it will give to their favourite sport.
“My dreams are that the Commonwealth Games in my hometown will inspire a new generation of kids to come and play badminton,’’ Stuart said.
Alicia said: “It brings badminton up a level and will get more players to join. I’d like to see Gronya Somerville come to the Commonwealth Games and watch her play. She is my idol and my hero.”
The Commonwealth Games in Victoria will take place from March 17-29, 2026.
After a blockbuster opening ceremony at the MCG there will be 12 days of elite sport coming to the five Games Cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Gippsland – supported by an electrifying festival program.
