Commonwealth Games 2026: Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith and netball star Natalie Metcalf out of Glasgow 2026
Two of England's biggest athletics stars - Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith - have withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to injury; netball star Natalie Metcalf also out of Glasgow 2026 with the opening ceremony to be held later on Thursday
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:11, UK
England medal hopes Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith have pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Johnson-Thompson was one of the favourites for the heptathlon, having won gold at the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham 2022, while Asher-Smith was set to compete in the relays.
Fellow Olympic medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita have also announced their withdrawals alongside Amber Anning, Zac Sneddon, Anna Purchase, Elliot Giles and Jona Efoloko on the day of the opening ceremony, which takes place on Thursday night.
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"I'm gutted to have to pull out of this year's Commonwealth Games. I was so looking forward to competing on home soil and having the chance to defend my Commonwealth title!" said Johnson-Thompson.
"Although the injury I picked up earlier this season has improved, I haven't been able to get back to the level I need to compete at my best.
"After discussing it with my team, we've made the difficult decision to focus on giving myself the best chance of being ready for the European Championships, so working very hard to be there later this season.
"Missing a championship is never easy, but I know it's the right decision. I can't wait to be back competing again soon."
The reason for Asher-Smith's withdrawal has not been stated, although it is presumed she is prioritising next month's European Championships in Birmingham.
The hectic schedule has presented a quandary for a number of leading athletes, including Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who decided not to pursue selection for the Glasgow Games.
International stars who have previously pulled out of the Games include multiple Olympic swimming medallists Kaylee McKeown and Summer McIntosh of Australia and Canada respectively, and Hodgkinson's 800m rival, Mary Moraa of Kenya.
Also on Thursday, England netball star Natalie Metcalf withdrew from the Games because of a calf injury.
Metcalf, who was part of the 2018 squad that won Commonwealth gold in Australia, has been replaced by Ella Clark.
