Dame Laura Kenny Named President of Commonwealth Games England
Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has recently announced the appointment of Dame Laura Kenny, a former Olympic, European, and Commonwealth track cycling champion, as its new President. At 32 years old, Kenny has made history by becoming the youngest President ever appointed by the organisation. She is also the third consecutive woman to hold this prestigious role, following in the footsteps of Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Denise Lewis.
During her illustrious career, Kenny represented Team England at three Commonwealth Games, starting with her debut at Delhi 2010. She went on to achieve impressive feats such as winning points race gold at the 2014 Games in Glasgow and securing scratch race gold and team pursuit bronze at the 2022 Games in Birmingham. By Tokyo 2020, Kenny had become the first British woman to clinch gold at three consecutive Olympic Games, solidifying her status as the most successful female cyclist in Olympic history. Kenny was honoured with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours before announcing her retirement from professional sports in March last year.
In her new role as President of CGE, Dame Laura Kenny brings valuable athlete experience from her time with Team England just two-and-a-half years ago. She expressed her excitement about returning to Glasgow, where she previously competed in 2014, stating, “The Commonwealth Games is a very special event, and I’m thrilled to work with and support England’s athletes as they prepare for Glasgow and future Commonwealth Youth Games.” Kenny highlighted the significance of the Games in providing athletes with a unique multi-sport environment and the opportunity to be part of something larger than their individual sports.
John Steele, Chair of Commonwealth Games England, emphasised the importance of Dame Laura’s appointment, praising her passion for the Games and acknowledging the invaluable insights she brings to the organisation. He noted that Kenny’s stellar athletic career at the highest level would serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Team England athletes.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Games in Glasgow and beyond, Steele highlighted the need for reflection on the past while also envisioning a modern Commonwealth Sport and a new Games model leading up to the centenary in 2030. He underscored Dame Laura’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the movement and supporting CGE’s initiatives in the years to come.
As the sporting world eagerly awaits the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Dame Laura Kenny’s appointment as President signifies a new chapter for CGE. With her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to sports, Kenny is poised to make a lasting impact on the organisation and inspire generations of athletes to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dame Laura Kenny’s journey as President of Commonwealth Games England and the exciting developments leading up to the 2026 Games in Glasgow.