Glasgow 2026 hailed as a blueprint
Glasgow 2026 was today hailed as a 'blueprint' for future Commonwealth Games. The event ended with a message to the rest of the world - the new format using exisiting facilities is a "Games changer". It sold more than 430,000 tickets to show that it was a real Box Office success.
Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said:
"We have created a Games that will inspire more nations to host. Probably more importantly, it is one that every nation feels it could host at some point in the next 100 years. "The future of the Commonwealth Games was in jeopardy. Glasgow saved the Commonwealth Games but it also reinvented the Commonwealth Games."
Jim Kerr and Simple Minds brought down the curtain on the event at the closing ceremony.
The Games' projected cost was £162.6m compared with £543m for Glasgow 2014 and £680m for Birmingham 2022. The public backed the Games as netball proved to be the most popular sport selling more than 100,000 tickets.
English powerlifter Mark Swan won the first gold medal of the 215 that were on offer. The rising star from Seaham, Co Durham, said it had provided an 'unforgettable experience'.
The more compact 23rd edition featured 215 medal events compared to 261 when the city last staged the Games in 2014. It also saw a record 47 para-sports events, which included the symbolic first gold medal.
Australia dominated the medal table by amassing 171 followed by England with 110. The host nation finished fifth, with 39 medals, behind Canada and India. It was a performance described by First Minister John Swinney as "truly historic".
Welsh star Emma Finucane created history by becoming the first sprint cyclist to win four track gold medals at the same Games. Louise Hoskins became the oldest Commonwealth Games gold medallist, winning the para-bowls women's pairs title for Australia at the age of 76 years and 173 days. And legendary South African swimmer Chad le Clos became the most decorated athlete in the 96-year history of the event with 21 medals.
Prince William and Princess Kate were among those who took in the action with their children.
Mile world record holder Josh Kerr produced another thrilling triumph in the mile, which last featured at the Games in 1966. The star repaid fans by taking 45 minutes to pose for selfies and autographs after his emotional medal ceremony.
Jim Kerr and Simple Minds helped draw the event to a close at the closing ceremony, with their performance marking the final moments of Glasgow 2026.
