2030 Commonwealth Games: Guernsey’s Alastair Chalmers pleased with host venue confirmation

Barring injury, the five-time British champion and Olympic and World Championship semi-finalist will be one of Guernsey’s 20 competitors in Glasgow next summer.

The Commonwealth Games are the highest international stage on which Guernsey competes in its own right.

Chalmers hopes that he will still be competing in 2030 and is glad that more of his fellow islanders will be given the chance to take part.

Sports such as triathlon, badminton and squash, which were all part of Birmingham 2022, will not be included in the 2026 programme.

“I think Glasgow did a great job of just taking it on,” he said.

“It’s sad to see some events or disciplines or sports gone, however, I think for the whole Commonwealth Games it’s great that it’s just going ahead no matter what.

“It’ll still be an amazing experience for everyone and being in front of thousands of people back in the United Kingdom will be a great opportunity for everyone.

“But looking forward to 2030 for India, I think getting all the sports back will bring that kind of solid Commonwealth Games vibe back, which would be lovely for everyone.

“It’s such a shame for people who train so hard and then get told that their their discipline or their sport isn’t being included.

“I’m very lucky that athletics is one of the core sports which are included.

“But for a lot of people, it’s been kind of unfair, so it’s a shame, but looking towards India I hope they can get that time back and they can go out there and enjoy it again.”