Hoy backs Glasgow 2026 for 'massive success'

Sir Chris Hoy, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist in cycling, is confident that the 2026 Games in Glasgow will be a "massive success" despite a significantly reduced budget and scale. The Games, running from 23 July to 2 August, will feature only 10 sports at four venues, with a budget of around £150m. In comparison, the 2014 Glasgow Games cost more than £550m and included 18 sports.

Hoy told BBC Breakfast that he remembers the 2014 Games as an incredible event and is sure Glasgow will put on a fantastic show. He noted that due to the scaled-down format, there are no street events such as the marathon and cycling road races. The athletics will take place at a temporarily expanded Scotstoun Stadium with a capacity of 11,000, compared to 44,000 at Hampden Park in 2014. The model does not involve direct public funding.

Hoy, an 11-time world champion and six-time Olympic champion, emphasised that competing for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games was a unique joy. He recalled that watching the 1986 Games in his home city of Edinburgh was the catalyst for his glittering career. Since retiring, he has been a regular pundit for BBC Sport. He said the 2014 Games were his first as a former athlete, allowing him to see other sports and soak in the atmosphere across the city.

Hoy has been living with stage four prostate cancer since 2023, receiving a terminal diagnosis in October 2024. Despite this, he said he is doing well and recently completed a charity bike ride across Spain. He added that he does not look too far ahead but makes the most of today, and is sure he will have a great time at the Games.