What West Midlands athletes really think about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
and live on Freeview channel 276
More than one million people have travelled to Birmingham to experience the 2022 Commonwealth Games with the event being hailed as the biggest sports event to be held in UK since the London 2012 Olympics.
Another half a million locals across the West Midlands bought tickets - and helped to make it the best-attended Commonwealth Games EVER! Another 14,000 volunteers have also played a significant part in helping to put on the show.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut what do the West Midlands’ star athletes think about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games? Here’s a few words from them.
Denise Lewis OBE: Olympic heptathlon gold medallist and President of Commonwealth Games England from West Bromwich
“It’s incredible when you know that a Games is coming to your patch - the place where you grew up. The pride was bursting out of me - I felt like I was going to combust. The Games represent a journey - not just my personal journey but the city’s journey.”
Mark Lewis-Francis: Former England 4x100m sprint relay champion from Smethwick
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is going to deliver a lasting legacy for the region. I’m a proud Brummie, born and bred, and some of the changes that have been made already are going to create so many jobs, so much opportunity.
“I want the people of Birmingham to embrace it. We deserve this. It’s all about leaving a legacy for our future. Birmingham has got so much mad talent, and what these Games are going to do is open up a door for so many youngsters.”
Stacey Francis-Bayman: England Netball team, Goal Defence Goal Keeper, Wing Defence from Bromsgrove
"It is unreal to have a home Games once in a lifetime, and I’m so glad it’s happening in what is my final year (in netball). I feel incredibly lucky. To have the Games in the town where you are born is insane. I am such a proud Brummie and every time I step out on the court I’m making sure I take it all in.”
Lily Walker: England Hockey midfielder from Cannock
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"It’s [University of Birmingham Hockey pitch] one of the prettiest pitches in the world. I’m a bit biased, but having [university clock tower] Old Joe in the background, the great hall and everything, it’s really special."
Delicious Orie: England super heavyweight boxer from Wolverhampton
"Fighting at home is extra special and I know how much it means to the locals."
A message from the editor:
Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.