Athletics Stars Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith Withdraw from Commonwealth Games

England’s premier athletics talents, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith, have withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to injury. Additionally, netball standout Natalie Metcalf will miss the Glasgow 2026 competition, ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.

England’s medal prospects Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith have officially withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games.

Johnson-Thompson entered the event as a leading favorite for the heptathlon, following her previous gold medal successes at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Games. Asher-Smith was scheduled to represent her nation in the relay events.

Several other notable athletes have also announced their withdrawals, including Olympic medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita, as well as Amber Anning, Zac Sneddon, Anna Purchase, Elliot Giles, and Jona Efoloko.

In netball, England star Natalie Metcalf has also been forced to withdraw from the Games due to a calf injury. Metcalf, a member of the gold-medal-winning 2018 squad in Australia, will be replaced by Ella Clark.

The Glasgow games begin with the opening ceremony on Thursday night, with medal competitions commencing on Friday and running through to the closing day on Sunday, August 2.

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