Three new sports will make their debut at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games lineup while several sports that brought medals to New Zealand in Birmingham have been axed.
Golf, BMX and coastal rowing will feature for the first time at a Commonwealth Games. While golf and BMX have both appeared in Olympic Games before, coastal rowing has never before featured in either. Shooting is back on the programme after being dropped for Birmingham.
New Zealand golfers Lydia Ko and Ryan Fox immediately loom as medal prospects if they decide to take part, while Michael Bias and Rico Bearman might be New Zealand's best hopes in BMX. Less is known about New Zealand's prospects in coastal rowing, but its long history of excellence in surf lifesaving events could stand it in good stead.
Meanwhile, the likes of wrestling, judo and rhythmic gymnastics will not make an appearance in Victoria after being part of the programme in Birmingham earlier this year. The ditching of these sports will not please Birmingham medal-winners Moira de Villiers and Kody and Sydnee Andrews (judo) and Tayla Ford (wrestling).
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol says it's exciting to have new sports and disciplines in the mix, attracting new athletes and sporting communities.
