Stewart McSweyn backs Tasmania's 2026 Commonwealth Games push

The King Island running distance star, who knows full well what it is like to compete at a Commonwealth Games in his home country, on Friday threw his support behind the state government's push to be involved with the showpiece event.

The government on Thursday confirmed its desire to put in a bid as either the host or as a co-host of the 2026 Games.

"It is really exciting, and it is massive really just the fact it has been brought up as a chance,'' McSweyn said.

"As an athlete that was pretty cool to hear, and it would be amazing if it was to happen in Tassie, hopefully they can keep on pushing for it."

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McSweyn competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, where he finished fifth in the 5000m and 11th in the 10,000m and is focused on also being on the start line of the 2022 Games in Birmingham. He will be 30 at the start of 2026.

With his experience from four years ago in his memory, he was confident Tasmania could also put on a good show if given an opportunity.

"Any major race you get to run in Australia is massive, but to have it in your home state would be next level,'' he said

"If it did happen it would be an amazing place for it to happen in Tasmania.

"The Tassie people, we just love our sport, and as a Tassie athlete it would be amazing, but also for the up and coming Tasmanian athletes, it would give them something extra to focus on and work towards in the future.

"The big thing is just the people.

"I know on the Gold Coast, they were just able to pack out the crowds and the atmosphere was awesome.

"It was just great support to have all that support from a crowd full of Aussies, and with Tassie the main thing would be having people become involved and pack out the crowds and help create that atmosphere."

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While he said it would depend on which sports the state was hosting, he believed the state would be able to cope.

"Tasmania already has some pretty amazing facilities, so it wouldn't be a big stretch to have it considering it already has some strong athletic tracks and stadiums,'' he said.

The lasting legacy the Games would leave on the state, he said, would be priceless.

Upon confirming the state's push, sports minister Jane Howlett said the state was well placed to host the event, especially considering its recent success in hosting the fifth Ashes Test and AFL finals.

"We are confident that we can work collaboratively with Commonwealth Games Australia on the opportunities Tasmania presents as either a host or co-host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games,'' she said.

As well as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the World Athletic Championships will be McSweyn's major focus as he looks to back up a strong past 12 months of performance.

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