The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games faced a significant setback just before its opening ceremony, with nine English athletes withdrawing from the event. Among the notable absentees are heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and sprint star Dina Asher-Smith, both Olympic medalists.

Joining them in withdrawal are fellow Olympic medalists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita, along with 400m runner Amber Anning. Hammer thrower Anna Purchase, middle distance runner Elliot Giles, sprinter Jona Efoloko, and steeplechaser Zac Seddon also pulled out.

The absence of Johnson-Thompson, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and Asher-Smith is a considerable blow to the organizers. Johnson-Thompson had been expected to contend for a third consecutive Commonwealth title.

Johnson-Thompson cited prioritizing the European Championships, scheduled for next month in Birmingham, as the reason for her withdrawal. "I’m gutted to have to pull out of this year’s Commonwealth Games," she stated. "I was so looking forward to competing on home soil and having the chance to defend my Commonwealth title. Although the injury I picked up earlier this season has improved, I haven’t been able to get back to the level I need to compete at my best."

She added, "After discussing it with my team, we’ve made the difficult decision to focus on giving myself the best chance of being ready for the European Championships. So I’m working very hard to be there later this season. Missing a championship is never easy but I know it’s the right decision."

The demanding competition schedule has led other leading athletes to reconsider their participation. Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson opted not to seek selection for the Glasgow Games.

International withdrawals from the Games also include multiple Olympic swimming medalists Kaylee McKeown of Australia and Summer McIntosh of Canada, Kenyan 800m runner Mary Moraa, and St. Lucia’s 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred. In gymnastics, triple Olympic champion Max Whitlock withdrew from a comeback bid earlier this month due to injury.

The Glasgow Games stepped in to host the event at late notice after Australia's Victoria state pulled out due to budgetary pressures.