Emma McKeon pays tribute to the role of the Commonwealth Games in growing her career

Emma McKeon, Australia's most decorated swimmer, has spoken out about the importance of the Commonwealth Games to her career, hoping that the event will continue to exist.

McKeon, who has won a record 14 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, more than any athlete in any sport, expressed her sadness at Victoria's withdrawal as host of the 2026 Games.

In 2014, McKeon and her brother David represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games. Their parents, Ron and Susie (née Woodhouse), and uncle, Rob Woodhouse, also competed in the swimming competition.

"The Commonwealth Games have given me so many great memories and provided some of the best experiences of my life," McKeon said.

"They have helped me a lot to get to where I am in swimming, and a home Games gives young Aussies the chance to be inspired to follow their dreams."

Kate Moloney, co-captain of the Diamonds and the Melbourne Vixens, has expressed regret at the Games' cancellation and optimism that a new host city may be found.

Moloney, who was instrumental in helping Australia regain netball gold in Birmingham last year, said, "We would have loved to have seen the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, but we just love representing the green and gold and hopefully they can find a new host for that."

I'm sure the girls would have enjoyed playing in front of their fellow Aussies.

"We look forwards to playing wherever they decide to have the tournament,"

Because of its widespread popularity across the Commonwealth, netball is one of the most prestigious activities at the Games. The other being the World Cup.

In his words, "it's a huge part of our calendar," Moloney referred to the event.

Every four years, the Commonwealth Games are an anticipated event. We're crossing our fingers that they'll be able to locate a host for one of our crowning events.

Birmingham's Commonwealth Games showed us the positive impact such an event can have on a city.

Rachael Haynes, a recently retired cricketer who was instrumental in Australia's women cricketers winning gold in Birmingham, stated that the sport had just recently entered the multi-sport arena and that it was a significant setback to be denied the opportunity to compete in Victoria.

Haynes described the event that took place in the United Kingdom as "such an amazing one."

"That was the thing that really struck me as remarkable, and that was just how much support the community showed for it, and what it meant for the development of cricket.

"If you look ahead a year, we have the entire Ashes series sold out in the white ball component for the ladies, and that has built off the momentum of events like the Commonwealth Games where different people are coming to see the sport.

I was shocked to hear that this morning, and it makes me sad to think that the athletes won't be able to compete in what could have been a great opportunity to introduce cricket to a new audience.

Haynes is optimistic that the Games will continue and that another Australian city will volunteer to host.

"If you think about some of the sports that don't necessarily have the same broadcast revenue that gets brought in, the same level of sponsorship, this is a huge moment for them to potentially pick up a new sponsor, or get the public to get to know a new type of personality in Australian sport around the world.

I feel terrible for those sports and a little worried about their future if this is taken away.