Tokyo 2020 stars Kadeena Cox and Laura Muir are backing the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealths to recreate the “unreal atmosphere” witnessed at London 2012.
Cox won two Paralympic cycling golds and finished fourth on the athletics track in the T38 400m in Japan, while Muir took home Olympic 1500m silver.
Fans were not able to attend either of the events due to precautions the nation put in place to tackle rising Covid-19 case numbers.
The pair, who aim to compete for England and Scotland respectively next year, visited the Alexander Stadium this week, which is undergoing a £72m transformation ahead of hosting track and field events at the 2022 Games.
“We all know how amazing London 2012 was and as a spectator it was incredible to witness,” says Cox, 30. “To be on the other side of it would be incredible because I’ve raced in the UK at Diamond Leagues and I know the support at a major home Games would be so special.
“We’ve missed the fans over the last 18 months and this stadium is looking pretty unreal, so to have it packed out with 30k people will be amazing.”
Muir, 28, added; “It (Alexander Stadium) looks amazing and I think there’ll be a fantastic atmosphere. It’s close to Scotland which means my friends and family will be able to come and that will be really special.”
The Scottish runner was 11th in the 1500m at Glasgow 2014 and missed Gold Coast 2018 due to her veterinary medical examination studies, so is determined to finally claim a first Commonwealth medal next year.
“The Commonwealths is really important personally as I’m only able to compete in a Scottish vest every four years,” she said.
“Given how Glasgow went and missing 2018 as well, emotionally the Commonwealths means so much to me and to win a medal would be really special!”
Fans interested in attending the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (28 July to 8 August 2022) can apply for tickets via the ballot which is open until 30 September.
Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox (England) and Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir (Scotland) aim to compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.