Sir Steve Redgrave backs Birmingham’s bid for 2022 Commonwealth Games

Alongside over 60 international sport stars including Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and Chrissie Wellington, the three times Commonwealth gold medallist explained that Birmingham’s diversity and vibrant nature, as well as its track record for delivering large international sporting events, will make it the perfect venue for the games. 

Sir Steve, who was awarded rowing gold medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1984 to 2000, praised Birmingham’s bid for not pledging to build huge arenas and potential ‘white elephant’ facilities – stating “you have to make use of the assets you’ve got”. He added “Birmingham is ideal for 2022 with great venues like the NEC, NIA and Villa Park already established”. 

Despite recent speculation that Birmingham’s bid isn’t fully compliant with organiser’s criteria, the submission is very much in progress having already been approved by the Government as the official bid for the UK. The Commonwealth Games Federation is due to make a final decision by the end of the year.