Channel 7’s Sunrise host and former Australian sprinter Matt Shirvington says he’s shocked and devastated over the Victorian government’s sensational decision to ditch the Commonwealth Games.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews dropped the bombshell news on Tuesday, saying the financial burden of hosting the Games was just too great.
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“It is not $2.6 billion, it is in fact at least $6 billion and could be as high as $7 billion, and I cannot stand here and say to you that I have any confidence that that even $7 billion number would appropriately and adequately fund these games,” Andrews explained.
The decision has broken the hearts of many athletes, particularly those who play Commonwealth sports such as netball and those aspiring for the Olympics.
Speaking on 7NEWS, Shirvington said his “initial reaction went straight to the athletes”.
“For an athlete developing and coming through with the aim of going to an Olympic Games, which is in another Australian city in Brisbane 2032, the first rung of that journey is the Commonwealth Games,” Shirvington said.
“Now they are not going to get a chance to develop themselves to get the experience of performing in front of a big crowd, a local crowd at a Commonwealth Games.”
Shirvington also believes the decision has not only tarnished Victoria’s image, but damaged Australia’s as well.
“Australia is known around the world as a sporting nation and we have been given a massive hit to that reputation today,” he said.
“It is not being announced as Victoria’s games globally, it’s Australia’s games.
“It’s the Commonwealth Games hosted in regional Victoria and we have lost that now.”
There are now new concerns about the ongoing future of the Commonwealth Games and whether they have relevance.
Many fans and media types believe the event is on life support, with Victoria the second host to drop the ball.
Durban in South Africa was meant to hold the 2022 Games but also bailed out due to financial pressures.
“There is a wider question here now, we have a new monarch and a King that is so proud of the Commonwealth and the connection that we have with the Commonwealth,” Shirvington said.
“Will he come in and save it?
“Maybe the King will be the saviour of the Commonwealth Games … Maybe it will be hosted in the UK.
“Maybe we have missed our chance to say, ‘You know what, we never give up on this, we never give up on sport’.
“But Australia has just pulled the pin. Where did that come from?
“Daniel Andrews has made the decision for our nation to look like a laughing stock on the world stage.”
Shirvington said the Commonwealth Games were a thrilling experience for younger athletes and gave them a chance to wear the green and gold without the high pressure of the World Championships or the Olympic Games.
“It’s a safer environment. You are competing against very competitive nations but not the whole word and it’s a great way to get a taste of international competition.”
– With Joel Martelli
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