2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games Coverage

Sky’s coverage details can be found here

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Not in Melbourne and they’re Foxtel’s productions anyway.

Paralympian Annabelle Williams will be in Birmingham as a commentator based on Seven’s synopsis for this week’s episode of Better Homes and Gardens.

Paralympic gold-medallist, lawyer, motivational speaker and mum, Annabelle Williams has worn many hats over the years. Next up, she’s off to Birmingham as a sports commentator for the 2022 Commonwealth Games but, before she goes, Annabelle is showing her fellow commentator, Johanna, around her favourite place in the whole world: her family’s home in Blackheath (in the Blue Mountains). It’s where Annabelle feels most grounded and the perfect place to learn what drives this amazing woman to succeed in her life and career.

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Seven and the Commonwealth Games

The Seven Network is proud to be the official Australian media partner for the XXII Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

In the four years since Seven showcased Australia’s dominant display at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the world has changed dramatically.

Birmingham 2022 offers fans all over the globe the opportunity to gather for a festival of sport.

At the heart of competition, we will see a battle royale between Australia and our biggest sporting rival, England, on their home soil.

This will be a new kind of Games: a fully-integrated competition schedule, where able- bodied and para-athletes compete alongside each other for the same medals, and a Games where women will be awarded more medals than men.

But the biggest winners will be Australian viewers, who can once again see it all, right here on Seven and 7plus.

With up to 30 exclusive and free, live and replay channels, every sport can be streamed on 7plus.

Every event is available on demand, with event minis, trending highlights and all the best action available at your fingertips. There is no other place to be during this year’s Commonwealth Games than right here on Seven.

Australia’s most dependable and experienced sports broadcast team is ready to go again, as it did on the Gold Coast, in Tokyo and in Beijing.

When Australian athletes gather in the green and gold, Seven will be there with them at the starting line.

Let’s bring it home Australia.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games starts 29 July Exclusive, live, free and in HD* on Seven and 7plus The only place to see it all!


A message from Bruce McAvaney

Once again, we find ourselves on the starting blocks of another major sporting event, primed to build on the performances we experienced at the Olympics and to introduce new storylines unique to the Commonwealth Games.

Australians competed at the ‘Festival of the Empire’ in London in 1911 and we’re one of only six countries to have sent athletes to every British Empire and then Commonwealth Games since 1930. We’ve been in the top three nations for each of those 21 subsequent games – and the top medallist at 13, including the last Games at home on the Gold Coast in 2018.

We’re set for a milestone in Birmingham. If the team gets 66 gold medals, we’ll have reached a total of 1000, the first of the Commonwealth nations to do so.

Milestone number two: should Emma McKeon win three gold medals to take her haul to eleven, she will become the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete in any sp ort for any country.

There are other stars on the rise. Young Mollie O’Callaghan took three gold and three silver medals in the pool at the World Championships in Budapest last month.

As I write, the World Athletics Championships are due to start in Eugene, Oregon. Performances here will decide who medals in Birmingham.

We’ll be holding our breath as Nicola Olyslagers and Brooke Buschkuehl leap high and long. Decathlete Ash Maloney will face down the Canadian who took Olympic gold to his bronze.

The Jamaicans and Kenyans will be at the Worlds and in Birmingham. Rohan Browning and Peter Bol will be striving to confound them.

The wonderful thing about the Commonwealth Games is the integration of para -sports. We get to see champions such as Madi de Rozario in the same program – but it’ll be a curtain call for Ellie Cole, our most-decorated female para-athlete.

We have a reputation to uphold. Those who’ve gone before have set a high bar.

It’s been 40 years since Francois Robert de Castella (‘Deek’) battled the Tanzanians in Brisbane to put his stamp on the marathon. At those same games, Raelene Boyle raised the hairs on the back of our necks with her incredible 400m.

Raelene and her great friend Marjorie Jackson share the Athletics record – male or female – with seven gold medals.

At the Commonwealth Games in Canada, 12 years after Brisbane, Catherine Freeman shed a light on what she could do.

In the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, organisers have put together a record 20 sports, many of which we don’t see at any other major games.

We’ll be facing our arch-rivals, England, in Women’s Cricket. In netball, we go toe to toe with New Zealand. There’s Lawn bowls, Squash and Rugby Sevens.

The Commonwealth Games are unique. They are close to our hearts. We’re so proud to be a part of them once again.

A message from Lewis Martin, Head of Network Sport

The Commonwealth Games is an event like no other.

The Seven Network is fortunate enough to deliver this extraordinary international multi-sport event direct to all Australians over an exhilarating and heart-warming 11 days of action.

Australia heads to these Games with an incredibly talent-stacked team of multi-disciplinary athletes, all of whom are poised to bring home a record number of gold medals for Australia.

In our most diverse games ever, we will see a fully integrated para-sport program, headlined by an incredible group of Aussies including Madi De Rozario, Blake Cochrane and Jessica Gallagher.

At Birmingham 2022, we have the privilege to watch the nation’s best athletes compete in our most cherished events: from our Australian Diamonds taking to the netball court to a musician battling against the world’s best in the pool, you can witness every moment as it happens, right here on Seven and 7plus.

We will unashamedly get behind our Aussie athletes, with every Australian medal moment delivered exclusively on Seven and 7plus.

When Jessica Gallagher and Caitlin Ward soar around the velodrome in the women’s para- cycling, Seven will be there.

When middle-distance runner Peter Bol makes his Commonwealth Games debut in the men’s 800 metres, Seven will be there.

And when Meg Lanning and our women’s cricket team capture our hearts and chase gold on the pitch, we will be there.

We anticipate Birmingham 2022 will bring Australia’s biggest medal success in history.

With 200 genuine medal attempts across 11 days of competition, Australia is primed for four times the medal haul of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

This year’s historic Games will also make global sport history by being the first-ever major multi-sport event to award more medals to women than men (there will be 136 medal events for women and 134 for men).

No one can take you inside this significant moment in history like the Seven Network.

We are primed and prepared to deliver a premier broadcast and digital event like no other. For the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we took our audience to a new level of viewing experience, and Birmingham 2022 will be no different.

With live sport starting from 7.00pm AEST each night, you will see countless Aussie medal moments in prime time.

Australia’s much loved and respected broadcaster, the incomparable Bruce McAvaney, will return for his fifth Commonwealth Games.

Direct from Birmingham, Bruce leads a stellar Seven team of experts, including triple Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, and six-time gold medallist, Cate Campbell.

Seven’s contingent on the ground in Birmingham will also include a team of experienced reporters led by Mark Beretta, Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson, who will bring viewers all the latest news, colour and atmosphere of the Games.

Seven’s prime-time coverage will once again be led by two of the most engaging sports broadcasters in Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi, who will lead an acclaimed hosting team including Johanna Griggs, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Abbey Holmes and Ryan Daniels across 11 days of action.

Joining them will be Australia’s equal most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, 10- time gold medallist Ian Thorpe, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Curtis McGrath and Paralympic gold medallist Annie Williams.

The past 12 months have prepared us to embark on the best sporting broadcast ever seen. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Seven set the benchmark for international sports coverage, and we will deliver again.

While we will get behind our Australian team, we will never lose sight of the other nations competing. Their triumphs and heartening stories deserve to be celebrated, and we will acknowledge them.

We will share the stories of our athletes with poise and passion, while bringing Australians the biggest and best moments from this historic event.

From the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony – and every moment of the action in between – the only place you can witness Birmingham 2022, live and free is Seven, Australia’s Home of the Commonwealth Games.


Seven’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are live and free exclusively on Seven and 7plus, in what will be the country’s second-biggest broadcast and digital event after Seven’s award-winning coverage of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

There will be up to 30 dedicated exclusive and free, live and replay Commonwealth Games channels across Seven and 7plus. Daily coverage on Seven’s primary linear channel will begin from the 7.00pm AEST prime time slot, until 5.30am AEST when Sunrise takes the lead for all the early morning action.

Across the 11 days of competition, many of Australia’s most loved medal events will feature in prime time, including swimming and para-swimming, athletics and para-athletics, netball, T20 cricket, women’s and men’s hockey, and many more.

With the biggest fully-integrated para-sports program in Commonwealth Games history, Birmingham 2022 is set to be a Games like no other.

To add to the excitement, viewers can tune into this year’s new sports including 3x3 basketball, women’s T20 cricket and para-table tennis.

It all kicks off from Thursday 28 July when everyone’s favourite sports show, The Front Bar, airs a special edition episode celebrating all things Commonwealth Games at 8.30pm AEST on Seven, ahead of the official Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony.

Following 7NEWS at 6.00pm every night of the Games, two of Australia’s most engaging sports broadcasters – Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi – will guide, inform and entertain audiences through Seven’s prime-time coverage from 7.00pm AEST, bringing viewers all the live medal moments.

Each night Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson will bring viewers Brum Drum, Seven’s official Birmingham 2022 live show, direct from the host city, with the best of the late-night coverage of the Games, alongside a rotating cast of nightly guests.

Keeping viewers completely up-to-date overnight will be fan favourites Abbey Holmes and Ryan Daniels.

Viewers will wake up to major live events and medal moments each day with Emma Freedman and Matt Shirvington, as they steer Seven’s morning broadcast from 3.30am AEST.

Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Sunrise, will then bring viewers all the latest Birmingham 2022 news and exclusive athlete interviews from 5.30am, with sports anchor Mark Beretta broadcasting live from the host city. Sunrise reporters Amy Parks and Bianca Stone will also be on the ground in Birmingham, crossing live to hosts Natalie Barr and David Koch.

Adored broadcaster Johanna Griggs will guide Seven’s afternoon audience through two hours of daily highlights, featuring exclusive interviews with victorious athletes and their families and friends from 3.00pm AEST on weekdays and 4.00pm AEST on weekends.

7NEWS, Australia’s official Commonwealth Games news service, is the only news program with unrestricted access to the Games and will have the biggest team of reporters on the ground in Birmingham.

Sports anchor Mel McLaughlin will lead a top contingent of reporters including Hugh Whitfield, Matt Carmichael, Blake Johnson, Mylee Hogan and Joel Dry, as they deliver the biggest and best breaking stories of the day.

7NEWS.com.au will be the #1 online destination for Commonwealth Games news, updates and daily event schedules. The website will feature a dedicated hub for results and medal tallies, plus all the latest breaking news, exclusive content, in-depth features and the greatest stories from the Games.

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Broadcast hosting schedule:

7.00pm – 11.00pm AEST live on Channel 7

Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi will entertain viewers through Seven’s nightly prime-time coverage of the Games including our Aussie’s best swimming, athletics and cycling moments, along with live athlete and family interviews direct from Birmingham.

11.00pm – 12.30am AEST Brum Drum, live on Channel 7

Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson will join us from the host city each day, for Brum Drum, Seven’s official Birmingham 2022 live show, with the best of the late-night coverage of the Games, alongside a rotating cast of nightly guests.

12.30am – 3.30am AEST live on Channel 7

Abbey Holmes and Ryan Daniels will present the best of the overnight action in Birmingham, including our Aussie’s taking on 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, hockey, netball, and rugby 7s.

3.30am – 5.30am AEST live on Channel 7, 5.30am – 7.30am AEST live on 7mate Emma Freedman and Matt Shirvington will bring us the best gold medal moments each morning, covering finals across multiple sports.

How to watch

KEY MESSAGES
How to Watch The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – live and free on Seven and 7plus. The only place to see it all! Starts 29
July
7plus · Stream every sport on 7plus
· Watch up to 30 live and replay channels
· Create a watchlist to follow your favourite events
· Watch event replays, minis, trending highlights and all the best action on demand
· Keep up to date with the medal tally, results and event schedule
· Get to know the athletes with interviews, features and even action from lead-up events
· Re-live every Aussie gold medal from Gold Coast 2018
· Multi-language captions available
· Watch on all major connected TVs or keep up on the go via web and mobile
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, the best of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is just one click away on your smart TV, mobile, tablet or computer.
· Download the 7plus app to your smart TV, mobile or tablet via connected TV, Android and iOS app stores (search: 7plus)
· Website: 7plus.com.au
VISIT
7 Commonwealth Games 7plus.com.au/commonwealth-games
Hub
Commonwealth Games news 7NEWS.com.au/sport/commonwealth-games
Dedicated landing page to house editorial, video and ancillary content, including but not limited to:
· Daily Live Blogs with full coverage of major Australian events
· Schedule, Medal Tally and Results widgets
· Breaking news and updates
· Bonus interviews with Australian athletes
Social media @7Sport Facebook
Twitter Instagram TikTok 7NEWS.com.au
@7SPORT #B2022 #Birmingham2022
WHAT TO WATCH
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games 29 July – 9 August: 2022 Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
28 July: The Front Bar Birmingham Edition
29 July: Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony
Commonwealth Games Programming and Hosts · 7.00pm – 11.00pm AEST live on Channel 7
Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi will entertain viewers through Seven’s nightly prime-time coverage of the Games including our Aussie’s best swimming, athletics and cycling moments, along with live athlete and family interviews direct from Birmingham.
· 11.00pm – 12.30am AEST live on Channel 7
Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson will join us from the host city each day, for Brum Drum, Seven’s official Birmingham 2022 live show, with the best of the late-night coverage of the Games, alongside a rotating cast of nightly guests.
· 12.30am – 3.30am AEST live on Channel 7
Abbey Holmes and Ryan Daniels will present the best of the overnight action in Birmingham, including our Aussies taking on 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, hockey, netball and rugby 7’s.
· 3.30am – 5.30am AEST live on Channel 7, 5.30am – 7.30am AEST live on 7mate
Emma Freedman and Matt Shirvington will bring us the best gold medal moments each morning, covering finals across multiple sports.
· 3.00pm – 5.00pm AEST, live on Channel 7 (weekdays)
· Johanna Griggs brings viewers the best from Birmingham each day of the Games.
Key reporters in Birmingham Mel McLaughlin, Matt Carmichael, Mark Beretta, Jason Richardson, Cate Campbell, Amy Parks, Hugh Whitfield, Mylee
Hogan, Joel Dry, Blake Johnson and Bianca Stone
Must-see moments (all times AEST) · Thursday 28 July: The action kicks off with The Front Bar Birmingham Edition from 8.30pm on Seven and 7plus.
· Friday 29 July: Commonwealth Games Opening
Ceremony from 4.45am. Ariarne Titmus, Emma McKeon, Ellie Cole and Kyle Chalmers are among a group of Aussies competing in the swimming and para-swimming events, before the men’s individual triathlon and
women’s individual triathlon. Then, Australia takes on India in the cricket T20, and the Australian Diamonds meet Barbados in the netball.
· Saturday 30 July: Swimming and para-swimming finals -women’s 200m freestyle final, men’s 400m freestyle final, men’s 200m breaststroke final, athletics and para-athletics – men’s marathon T53/43 final, women’s marathon T53/54 final, men’s marathon final, women’s marathon final, netball – Australia v Scotland, Rugby 7s – women’s and men’s group matches.
· Sunday 31 July: Cycling (track and para-track) – women’s 3000m individual pursuit finals, women’s sprint finals, men’s Keirin finals, gymnastics artistic – women’s team final and individual qualification.
Swimming and para-swimming finals – Australians Kyle Chalmers, Holly Barrett, Abbey Harkin and many more.
Monday 1 August: Swimming and para-swimming – Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown, Shayna Jack, Cody Simpson, Kyle Chalmers, netball – Australia v South Africa, gymnastics – women’s vault final, men’s pommel horse final, lawn bowls and para-lawn bowls.
Tuesday 2 August: Swimming and para-swimming – 3x3 basketball – men’s and women’s semi-finals and men’s wheelchair semi-finals, men’s hockey – Australia v New Zealand.
· Wednesday 3 August: Swimming and para-swimming – Will Ariarne Titmus win the women’s 400m freestyle? cricket T20 – Australia v Scotland, weightlifting - men’s 109kg.
· Thursday 4 August: Men’s hockey – Australia v South Africa, swimming and para-swimming – men’s 1500m freestyle final, women’s and men’s 4x100m medley and relay final, athletics and para-athletics – Rohan Browning in the men’s 100m final.
· Friday 5 August: Athletics and para-athletics – Madi De Rozario in the 1500m T53/54 Final, Men’s hockey – Australia v Pakistan, gymnastics – rhythmic team final and individual all-around final, diving – women’s 1m springboard, men’s synchronised 3m springboard final, lawn bowls and para-lawn bowls.
· Saturday 6 August: Athletics and para-athletics – Ash Moloney in the men’s decathlon 1500m, women’s 3000m steeplechase final, women’s triple jump final, Nicola Olyslagers in the women’s high jump final, beach
volleyball – men’s and women’s quarterfinals, netball – semi-final one, cricket T20 – women’s semi-final one.
· Sunday 7 August: Wrestling – men’s and women’s freestyle, athletics and para-athletics, Kelsey Lee Barber in the javelin, cricket T20 – women’s bronze medal match, netball – bronze medal match
· Monday 8 August: Hockey – women’s gold medal match, men’s gold medal match, cricket T20 – women’s gold medal match, netball – gold medal match, beach
volleyball – women’s bronze medal, women’s gold medal, diving – mixed synchronised 3m springboard final, mixed synchronised 10m platform final
· Tuesday 9 August: Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.
*Listed finalists subject to qualification
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Hosts

HAMISH McLACHLAN

Hamish is one of Australia’s best and most experienced broadcasters, having hosted and commentated on a wide range of sports including the Olympic Games, AFL, horse racing, tennis and Commonwealth Games. He will co-host Seven’s prime-time coverage of Birmingham each night alongside Abbey Gelmi. Hamish boasts extraordinary Games knowledge and a passion and enthusiasm for all sporting disciplines.

ABBEY GELMI

Abbey has quickly become one of Seven’s most versatile hosts, having presented across the network’s Olympics, AFL, cricket, horse racing and Brownlow Medal coverage with poise, grace and infectious enthusiasm. As the granddaughter of Australian middle-distance great Herb Elliott, sport is in Abbey’s blood. Following her first Olympic Games coverage for Tokyo 2020, Abbey will return to Seven’s prime-time coverage of Birmingham 2022 alongside Hamish McLachlan from 7.00pm daily AEST.

Twitter: @Abbey_gelmi Instagram: @Abbeygelmi

JOHANNA GRIGGS

Johanna represented Australia in swimming at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990, winning bronze in the 100m backstroke, before becoming one of the most popular TV personalities on Australian screens. Johanna has been part of Seven’s coverage of most major sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, tennis and horse racing, as well as hosting the top-rating lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens.

Johanna will welcome viewers on air from 3.00pm daily AEST. Twitter: @JohGriggs7 Instagram: @Johgriggs7

MATT SHIRVINGTON

One of the greats of Australian track and field, Matt represented his country at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the 1998 and 2006 Commonwealth Games and seven World Championships. A key member of the 7NEWS, Sunrise and 7SPORT teams, “Shirvo” recently hosted the afternoon coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the network. Matt will co-host the early morning shift, from 3.30am daily AEST.

Twitter: @Mattshirvington Instagram: @Mattshirvo

EMMA FREEDMAN

Emma is a popular television and radio presenter with extensive experience across a wide range of sports. She anchored Seven’s morning coverage of the Tokyo Games on 7mate, as well as regularly joining Seven’s horse racing coverage and the Supercars Bathurst 1000 team. Emma will co-host the early morning shift, alongside Matt Shirvington.

Twitter: @Emma_freedman Instagram: @Emma_freedman

ABBEY HOLMES

A late convert to football after a promising netball career, Abbey led the NTFL’s goalkicking table and won a premiership in her first four seasons, memorably becoming the first woman to kick 100 goals in a season in 2013-14. An Adelaide premiership player in the AFLW’s inaugural 2017 season, Abbey has been a great addition to Seven’s AFLW and AFL coverage, both as an expert and field commentator, and featured prominently in last year’s AFL Grand Final coverage in Perth.

Twitter: @Abbeycholmes Instagram: @Abbeycholmes

RYAN DANIELS

Ryan began his media career with Seven in 2007, working in a range of roles before joining the sports team full-time in 2010. He has always been obsessed with sports, keeping notes of statistics and facts on everything from football to basketball to badminton. During his time at Seven, Ryan has covered multiple AFL Grand Finals and is a nine-time winner at the WA Football Awards. Ryan stepped into the role of 7NEWS Perth Sports Presenter earlier this year.

Twitter: @FootyRhino

MEL McLAUGHLIN

Mel is a highly respected sports anchor and live-to-air broadcaster, who has covered a host of major international sporting events, including both summer and winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, the FIFA World Cup, tennis and most recently the 2021-22 Ashes series. Mel will be joined by Jason Richardson to present Seven’s Birmingham live show Brum Drum, each night from 11.00pm AEST.

Twitter: @Mel_Mclaughlin Instagram: @Mel_Mclaughlin

JASON RICHARDSON

“Richo” is a Stawell Gift race winner who has carved out an impressive broadcasting career with Seven. He has hosted and commentated on various events including the Australian Open tennis, the past two Olympic Games, the Spring Racing Carnival, the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Twitter: @JaseRicho Instagram: @Jaserichardson7

MARK BERETTA

Mark, or “Beretts” as he’s more affectionately known, is one of Australia’s best known and most admired sports commentators. He has covered every major Australian and international sporting event in an incredible career spanning three decades, including every Summer and Winter Olympic Games Seven has covered since 1996, the AFL, Australian Open tennis and the Supercars. For the past 18 years, Mark has been a much-loved member of Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Sunrise, keeping viewers up to date with all the latest sport headlines from Australia and around the world. He is also a 10-time Australian water ski champion.

Twitter: @MarkBeretta Instagram: @Markberetta

ANNABELLE WILLIAMS

During her swimming career, Annie captained the Australian Paralympic swim team, broke five world records and won numerous medals for Australia, including gold at the Paralympic Games London 2012. Her achievements out of the pool are just as impressive: an accomplished sports broadcaster, international speaker and former corporate lawyer, Annie’s humorous and heart-warming storytelling captivates, entertains and inspires.

Twitter: @Anniejowilliams Instagram: @Anniejwilliams

TRENT COPELAND

The New South Wales fast bowling great, who also played three Tests for Australia, has established himself as one of the rising stars on Seven’s cricket coverage since joining the commentary team in the 2018-19 international summer. The man more affectionately known as “Copes” will jump in the hosting chair across 7plus programming for Birmingham 2022.

Twitter: @Copes9 Instagram: @Copes9

Commentators

BRUCE McAVANEY

Recognised on the world stage, Bruce is one of the greatest sport broadcasters we have ever seen and heard. In recognition of his outstanding career, Bruce was honoured with the Melbourne Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award last year and was inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame in June this year. This followed his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002, and a Medal of the Order of Australia that same year.

Bruce’s depth and breadth of sporting knowledge is peerless, while he brings an unbridled passion and enthusiasm to the Commonwealth Games, especially track and field.

IAN THORPE

Ian is Australia’s most successful Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete, having won a record five gold medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. At 15, he became the youngest male world champion when he won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 1998 World Championships. He would add 13 long-course world records and win 11 gold medals at the World Championships as well as 10 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Affectionately known as “Thorpedo”, Ian brings his brilliant sporting insight and analysis to Birmingham for Seven, backing up from Tokyo 2020.

Twitter: @IanThorpe Instagram: @Ian.Thorpe

CURTIS McGRATH

Curtis is an Australian para-canoeist and former soldier. He took up canoeing competitively after both of his legs were amputated as a result of a mine blast while serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan. He won consecutive gold medals in the Men’s KL2 at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and has won 10 gold medals and a silver at ICF Paracanoe World Championships between 2014 and 2019.

Twitter: @Curtmcgrath Instagram: @Curtmcgrath

TAMSYN LEWIS-MANOU

A three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and winner of 18 Australian Championships at 400m, 800m and 400m hurdles, Tamsyn will be Bruce McAvaney’s wing woman in commentary at the track and field in Birmingham, adding her sharp analysis and vivacious personality to one of the hottest events on the Games calendar.

Twitter: @Tamsynlewis Instagram: @Tamsynlewismanou

CATE CAMPBELL

One of Australia’s most decorated members of the Dolphins swimming team, Cate is a current multiple world record holder and has won a total of six Olympic medals, including three gold between 2008 and 2020. She was one of two flagbearers for Australia at the Tokyo Games in 2020, alongside basketballer Patty Mills. The Malawi-born athlete is studying a degree in mass communications at Queensland University of Technology, with an eye to pursuing a full-time media career once she hangs up her goggles.

Twitter: @Catecamp Instagram: @Cate_Campbell

BASIL ZEMPILAS

Basil is a man of many talents, presenting TV, radio, and sport as well as being elected Lord Mayor of Perth in 2020. He presented sport until 2022 on 7NEWS in Perth, and from January 2014 to December 2020 he co-hosted Perth radio station 6PR’s breakfast show with Steve Mills. He is also a member of Seven’s AFL football commentary team and has represented the network in commentary at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He will call swimming events for Seven during Birmingham 2022.

Twitter: @BasilZempilas Instagram: @Basil_Zempilas

LISA STHALEKAR

The former Australian women’s cricket captain carved out an impressive career as an all- rounder which saw her named Australian Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Since retiring in 2013, Lisa has made an impressive transition to the commentary box, bringing her inside knowledge of the women’s game to the highest level.

Twitter: @Sthalekar93; Instagram: @Lsthalekar

ALISON MITCHELL

Alison brings her acclaimed sports broadcasting skills to Seven’s telecast from Birmingham, leading coverage of the Cricket T20. A member of Seven’s Cricket broadcast team, her experience also includes Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon, Australian Open and French Open tennis, as well as Open Golf. She was the first woman to become a regular commentator on the BBC’s Test Match Special and the first woman to have called men’s cricket ball-by-ball on ABC Radio Grandstand in Australia.

Twitter: @AlisonMitchell Instagram: @Alison_Mitchell00

ALISTER NICHOLSON

Alister has emerged as one of Australian sport’s most recognisable voices over the past decade, both as an ABC Grandstand commentator on cricket and AFL. While he has been a popular member of Seven’s BBL commentary team in recent years, his broadcasting experience extends to the NRL, Commonwealth Games, Australia’s major golf tournaments and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. For Birmingham 2022, he will be calling the hockey.

Twitter: @AlisterNicho

GEORGIE PARKER

Georgie is a popular television presenter with experience across multiple sports, including Seven’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games coverage and the AFL. She is a former member of the Australian women’s hockey team, claiming a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2014.

Georgie will call the hockey alongside Alister Nicholson. Twitter: @GeorgieParker Instagram: @Georgie_Parker19

DAVID CULBERT

A long jump finalist at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and two-time silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Dave has established himself as a renowned Olympic Games broadcaster and will provide commentary for the athletics at this year’s Games.

Twitter: @Culbert_Report Instagram: @Culbert_report

MATT HILL

Matt is a leading Australian race caller and sport broadcaster. Recognised throughout the industry for his flair, commitment and accuracy, he has honed his skills over many years calling myriad sports, from horse racing to greyhound racing, tennis, AFL, the Olympic Games and more. Matt will call various events including athletics, triathlon and para-triathlon at Birmingham 2022.

SCOTT McGRORY

An outstanding Australian cyclist and sports caster, Scott won gold in the Madison at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney in one of the most remarkable stories every told. His accomplishment alongside Brett Aitken is legendary and he will be ready to carry that knowledge and emotion into his speedskating commentary for Birmingham.

Instagram: @Scottmcgrory

PAUL VAN DER PLOEG

Paul is a former professional bike rider who won several national championships in the mountain bike and Cyclo-cross disciplines, along with the 2011 World Cup Sprint Eliminator in England and the 2013 XCE World Championship in South Africa. Paul will provide his expert insights to the mountain bike competition in Birmingham.

Twitter: @Paulvanderplow Instagram: @Paulvanderplow

PHIL LIGGETT

Phil has entrenched himself as international cycling’s most authoritative voice over a glittering 54-year career. This year he will cover his 50th Tour de France, while Tokyo 2020 was his 16th Olympic Games. Among a litany of professional accolades, Phil was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005 for services to cycling and inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame in 2009. For Birmingham, he will join Scott McGrory to cover all the action of the Time Trial and Road Race.

Twitter: @Philliggett

JON HARKER

Over more than 35 years, Jon has forged a highly successful media career, working as a journalist, host and commentator across TV, radio, and print media. Jon has vast commentary experience at the Olympic Games and during Birmingham will give voice to the action across boxing events.

HARRY GARSIDE

One of Australia’s most exciting young boxers, Harry Garside won gold in the men’s 60kg weight division at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, before taking home a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Garside has embraced unique training methods such as ballet, karaoke and army training into his training routine, which ultimately paid off when he was selected as a member of the Australian team for Tokyo 2020. Harry will step behind the microphone alongside Jon Harker to call the boxing at Birmingham 2022.

Instagram: @Harry_Garside

KATE BATES

Kate is a former Australian track and road cyclist, a multiple national champion and the Commonwealth Games champion in 2002 and 2006. She competed in both track and road cyclin at the Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the individual pursuit at the 2004 Summer Olympics and sixth in the points race at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She retired in December 2011 due to injury and has since worked as a freelance TV commentator and host. She has covered World Championships, Olympic Games, Tour de France and other National and World Tour cycling events for Seven and SBS.

Twitter: @KatherineLBates Instagram: @Katey_Bates

LIZ CHETKOVIC

Liz is the voice of world gymnastics, introducing Australian audiences to the intricacies of a sport which matches extraordinary athleticism with spectacular drama. Her in-depth knowledge and experience as a high-performance coach and community sport advisor is evident in her insightful commentary, showcased at Olympic and Commonwealth Games. She will lead Seven’s gymnastics commentary at Birmingham 2022.

CATHERINE COX

A former Australian netball international and leading netball commentator, Catherine Cox will bring the same energy and excitement to the Birmingham Games as she did to her playing career. As a 16-year veteran of the Australian Diamonds, she won gold medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 and 2011 World Netball Championships and captained her country on seven occasions, leading the team to victory at the 2011 Constellation Cup.

Twitter: @Cathcoxy

SUE GAUDION

Sue Gaudion is a popular and entertaining media personality with vast experience in radio and television. With a wicked sense of humour and a quick wit, Sue is as smooth and engaging as they come and has the ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand.

Never short of a story, Sue is a genuine entertainer. Sue will call the netball during Seven’s coverage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Twitter: @Suegaudion

GREG CLARK

The voice of rugby in Australia, Greg’s stellar calling career has spanned more than 20 years, over 200 Test matches and countless Super Rugby classics. Greg will bring his trademark accuracy and entertaining commentary style to the Rugby 7s.

Twitter: @Greg_clarkie Instagram: @Greg_Clarkie

MATT MITCHAM

One of Australia’s most decorated divers, Matt Mitcham will call the sport that made him a household name at Birmingham 2022. Originally a trampoline gymnast, Matt rewrote the history books when he became the first Australian male diver to win an Olympic gold medal in 84 years, and only the second ever, when he won the 10 metre platform at Beijing in 2008 with an astonishing last-gasp performance under extreme pressure.

Twitter: @Matthew_Mitcham Instagram: @Matthewmitcham88

TIANA PENITANI

Tiana captained Australia to the gold medal in Rugby Sevens at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, having a year earlier become the youngest player ever to represent Australia at a Rugby World Cup in the 7s tournament in Russia. In 2019, Tiana switched to rugby league and currently plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL Women’s Premiership. She will commentate on all the Rugby Sevens action in Birmingham.

Instagram: @Tianapenitani

AARON ROYLE

Aaron Royle joins Seven’s Birmingham 2022 commentary team to call Triathlon events, after a successful career in the sport whereby he made his Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Aaron and fellow team member Ryan Bailie gave Australia its first dual top ten finish in men’s triathlon history at Fort Copacabana, where he was the first out of the water.

Twitter: @ARoyle90 Instagram: @AaronRoyle

EVENT COMMENTATOR
Athletics Bruce McAvaney
Athletics Tamsyn Lewis-Manou
Athletics David Culbert
Athletics Jason Richardson
Athletics, Triathlon and Para-Triathlon Matt Hill
Boxing Jon Harker
Boxing Harry Garside
Cricket T20 Lisa Sthalekar
Cricket T20 Alison Mitchell
Cycling Scott McGrory
Cycling Kate Bates
Cycling - Mountain Bike Paul van der Ploeg
Cycling - Mountain Bike, Road Race and Time Trial Matt Carmichael
Cycling - Road Race and Time Trial Phil Liggett
Cycling, Para-Marathon and Para-Triathlon Curtis McGrath
Diving Matt Mitcham
Gymnastics Liz Chetkovich
Hockey Alister Nicholson
Hockey Georgie Parker
Netball Catherine Cox
Netball Sue Gaudion
Rugby 7s Gregory Clark
Rugby 7s Tiana Penitani
Swimming Ian Thorpe
Swimming Cate Campbell
Swimming Basil Zempilas
Swimming Anabelle Williams
Triathlon Aaron Royle

Also see:

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Hosting for 7+… that is interesting

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That is a funny name. Although I am not sure 11pm is the right timeslot when there is live action somewhere in and around Birmingham due to time difference. It should be shown live on 7mate at 7.30am AEST, right after the night session concludes, then replayed at 2pm AEST on main channel ahead of the previous day’s highlights.

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This sounds to me like a good lineup. It looks like Annabelle Williams will call the Para Swimming. Nice to see Abbey Holmes hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, she may have to host both the Games and the AFL.

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It sounds like it’s a live show so presumably it’s going to be a mix of live sport and other content?

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I think the above guide forgot to make clear about the broadcast channels, which on weekends due to AFL and other programing going head-to-head (like previous events) will need to also rely on 7Two and even 7flix.

I’m sure they’ll promote/advise this well on-air both visually and verbally though, one thing over the years with events for what it’s worth that they have done a really good job of.

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News Corp has revealed its coverage for the Birmingham Games, starting with a 28-page preview guide in Sunday Herald Sun, The Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Mail SA, The Sunday Mail Qld, Sunday Tasmanian and Sunday Territorian tomorrow.
For the first time, it will publish a 20-page digital print edition of The Games, covering overnight action from Birmingham that can’t make the print edition due to the midnight deadline. The Games digital edition will come out every day at 9am AEST from July 29 to August 9, in the six papers shown below.

News Corp has dispatched the largest group of editorial staff to an overseas Commonwealth Games, with national weekend editor Mick Carroll appointed Commonwealth Games editor and leading a team of 17 reporters and photographers, plus art designer Nathan Dukes. Carroll told The Australian that reporting from the team would also feature content such as the A-listers, including members of the royal family, who will be attending key events.


Former swimmer Giaan Rooney will provide expert analysis on Sunrise from Martin Place studios during every day of the meet.

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Reckon 7plus is going to get a workout if you want to watch things like cricket uninterrupted.

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How interested Australia is in the games:

How interested Britain is in the games:

Duran Duran may be legends of the city but their time was 40 years ago, not today. It may not be quite as bad as John Barrowman as Glasgow 2014 but still feels amiss for a retro act to be headlining rather than showcasing a 21st century Birmingham. They’ve also someone from Black Sabbath who isn’t Ozzy Osbourne.

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Streaming is future. They need to cater to it now.
Just look at the uptake in streaming for SOO Game 3 as well as last years Olympics.

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On the second weekend of the Commonwealth Games, again in Perth (as @TV.Cynic has also posted in the respective thread), 7flix will again have to be used, due to a complicated variety of factors:

There’s a Fremantle AFL game (also flying high on the ladder) which must be aired on FTA, but this game is one that’s delayed, with Fox Footy having live rights, meaning instead of 2:30pm it won’t commence until 5:30pm.

This means, with AFL of course on 7mate, as there’s two Birmingham channels already underway (with the large time diffrence) and Seven News at 6pm on the main channel, one Comm Games telecast will be on 7Two but leaving the other (and main one) shafted to Channel 76.

Also, as MS members have probably observed, weekdays 7mate is the secondary Birmingham channel but on weekends it’s 7Two (due to 7mate’s various AFL commitments). Which poses a grainy SD issue. But hopefully they can let viewers know or they’ll discover themselves that 7Two, 7flix and every event live stream is available in HD on 7Plus.

Except in regional Queensland that has Seven, 7Two and 7Mate in HD.

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Blake Johnson featured in a live cross on 7 news Melbourne tonight.



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Any word on who’s commentating the opening ceremony?

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