Australia to host Triathlon for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted by the State of Victoria in Australia. Triathlon and paratriathlon have been confirmed in the programme, with the events taking place in the city of Geelong, southwest of Melbourne.
The announcement follows a dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria, where a proposal to stage the major multi-sport competition across the Australian state was agreed.
In what will be a first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The opening ceremony will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The proposal have now been approved by the Commonwealth Games Executive Board, with the host contract to be signed in Victoria this week.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin said “The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria.
“Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event. In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey.
“This a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other.”
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said “It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state.
Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast 2018.
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said “Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026.
The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from 28 July to 8 August, with triathlon (individual and mixed relay) and para triathlon also included in the programme.
