Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith out of Commonwealths
Several high-profile athletes, including Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith, have withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to injury. Their absence, alongside other stars prioritizing different championships, has sparked debate regarding the event's relevance in the modern sporting calendar.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of top-tier talent raises questions about the future viability and prestige of the Commonwealth Games compared to other international sporting events.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Johnson-Thompson won silver at the 2024 Olympics and is a two-time world champion
Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games because of injury.
Dina Asher-Smith and 400m Olympic silver medalist Matt Hudson-Smith, who were both set to run relays for Team England in Glasgow, have also been replaced, as has Asher-Smith's sprint team-mate Daryll Neita and 400m runner Amber Anning.
Johnson-Thompson, 33, was due to compete in her third Commonwealth Games heptathlon, having won gold on the Gold Coast in 2018 and at Birmingham in 2022.
Team England gave no details of her issue, only confirming she had been replaced in the squad by Niamh Emerson, who took bronze behind Johnson-Thompson in 2018.
The withdrawal of such high-profile names is a significant blow to the event on the day the opening ceremony takes place.
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