The Hon Anika Wells MP
Minister for Aged Care
Minister for Sport
Australia is represented by its largest team at an overseas Commonwealth Games – and the second largest team ever – as one of 72 nations contesting the Birmingham Games, which run to August 8.
Our Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games team is a proud representation of the nation.
The team of more than 430 athletes comprises a record 10 First Nations athletes and 75 para-athletes.
Fifty-nine team members were born overseas and now proudly call Australia home, and athletes range in age from 14-year-old diver Charli Petrov, to 63-year-old Cheryl Lindfield in the para-lawn bowls.
For the first time, there will be more women’s medal events than men’s events at the Commonwealth Games, and a wider range of para-sports.
It’s also wonderful to see the legacy of the Commonwealth Games carry on through the Executive team, led by former athletes, Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM, and General Managers Anna Meares OAM, Sharelle McMahon and Katrina Webb OAM.
Many partners have helped prepare the team for Birmingham – the Australian Institute of Sport; the National Institute Network; Games partners Paralympics Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee, and National Sporting Organisations, including the coaching and support staff who dedicate themselves to bringing out the potential in our athletes.
Attributable quotes
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
“Australia is a great sporting nation, and the Commonwealth Games is an exciting opportunity for our athletes to shine.”
“I congratulate the team on getting to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and commend them for their hard work and dedication to their sport.”
“Know that I, along with your families, friends, supporters and millions of others, will be cheering you on in the early hours of the morning.”
Minister for Sport Anika Wells
“On behalf of all of us sport-loving Australians, I wholeheartedly congratulate all the members of our big, bold, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games team.”
“You are an inspiration to all Australians.”
“I’m sorry I can’t be with you in Birmingham, and thank you for your understanding as I stay home to manage the winter wave of COVID-19 and flu in aged care homes.”
“The Commonwealth Games will continue to be a catalyst for Aussie sporting success as we start the exciting green and gold decade towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.”
