Commonwealth Games: History of the games
How did the Commonwealth Games come about?
Last updated 26th Jul 2022
The Commonwealth Games were the brainchild of John Astley Cooper, an Australian-born Anglican clergyman. Mr Cooper wrote in the Times Newspaper in 1891 about the need the create a sporting event to “increase goodwill and understanding of the British Empire”.
The origins of the first Games can be traced to 1911. To celebrate the coronation of King George V, a Festival of the Empire was held in London. The success of the festival led to increased lobbying for a regular Inter-Empire games.
Starting in 1930, the British Empire Games were held every four years, with a hiatus during World War II.
It wasn't until 1978 Games that the event changed its name to the Commonwealth Games.
Up until 1998, only individual sports were included at the Games. From then, team sports were introduced like cricket, hockey, netball and rugby 7s. Since then sports including basketball and beach volleyball have been added to the competition.
Commonwealth Games: Participation
The first Games held in 1930 had 11 countries participating and involved countries which were part of the British Empire.
England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, South Africa, Bermuda, British Guiana, Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada took part, with England topping the medals table.
Since then, the Games have expanded to include countries which became independent from Britain, and in more recent times, it has been open to any country that wants to take part.
Today, the Commonwealth Games involves 4,600 sports men and women from across 72 nations and territories.
The 2022 Games will be the first time West Midlands has played host to the event, following London 1934, and Manchester 2002.
Commonwealth Games: Controversy
The Games have not been without controversy over the years.
In the past, several African, Caribbean, and Asian countries boycotted the Games due to the participation of Apartheid South Africa.
The second Games in 1934 had to be moved from Johannesburg to London, as South Africa would not permit black athletes to take part.
The largest boycott of the games was the 1986 Edinburgh event, when the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher refused to sever sporting links with Apartheid South Africa.
The boycott involved 32 countries out of a possible 59 and highlighted the racial polices of South Africa.
Commonwealth Games: Greatest moments
The games have provided some historic athletic moments.
Roger Bannister and John Landy, the first two men to crack the four-minute-mile, raced against each other the 1954 Vancouver Commonwealth Games, with Roger Bannister coming out victorious.
Precious McKenzie winning weightlifting gold again at Christchurch 1974, attracted the attention of The Queen and caused her to be late for an official engagement.
Nicola Adams won the first gold medal for women's boxing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.
Jim Peters tragically collapses just before the finish line of his marathon in 1954. He reportedly crawled for 11 minutes before being put onto a stretcher.
Chantal Petitclerc, one of the most high-profile pioneers for para-sports, won gold in the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Allan Wells and Mike McFarlane in the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games 200m both won a gold medal. This is the only gold draw in Commonwealth history.
Usain Bolt helped Jamaica win gold in the Men's 4x100m relay during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Filbert Bayi set the world record in the 1,500m at the Christchurch 1974 Commonwealth Games.