Commonwealth Games: What do athletes make of Glasgow 2026 bid?

However, athletes are also aware of the context the Games now sit in.

Sitting below world championships and Olympics, and in a changing world, the ongoing uncertainty about its future shows how the Commonwealths have diminished in stature.

As such, the slimmed-down plan for a potential Glasgow Games in 2026 is the right approach, according to McColgan.

“There needs to be changes made to the current format because at the moment – it just isn’t feasible,” she said.

“It needs to be scaled down. More affordable. And venues need to be re-used. Athletes hosted in empty university accommodations.

“Costs need to be cut in order to make the Games worthwhile and for it to be profitable for Glasgow to host.”

Diver Grace Reid, a two-time Commonwealth gold medallist, agrees change is the right approach if the championships are to survive.

“In this day and age, sport has to diversify to match the climate,” the 28-year-old added.

“We have to think about the athletes but we have to think about the countries that have to fund them.”

Gilmour also has concerns about the short time frame to try to organise a potential Glasgow Games.

“I just really hope that we have enough time to build that atmosphere and anticipation for the athletes and fans,” she added.

“I’ve got no doubt Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation will do absolutely everything in their power to make it spectacular.

“But at this point it’s likely they’ll only have around 22 months to organise logistics, venues, personnel, transport etc. I’m hopeful but it’s a tough task.”