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Two of England's biggest athletics stars - Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith - have withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to injury; netball star Natalie Metcalf also out of Glasgow 2026 with the opening ceremony to be held later on Thursday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 13:55, 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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The reason for Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith's withdrawals have not been stated, although it is presumed they are 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Metcalf, who was part of the 2018 squad that won Commonwealth gold in Australia, has been replaced by Ella Clark.
