Curtains close on Commonwealth Games as Australia triumphs

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 have reached a conclusion, smashing record attendance with more than 1.3 million tickets sold.

Australia came out triumphant winning 178 medals, with 67 golds.

The hosting country, England, finished second with 176 medals, surpassing its previous record of 174 at the Glasgow Games in 2014.

The city celebrated the end of the event with an astonishing ceremony, where rock legend Ozzy Osbourne made a surprise appearance.

The ceremony, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, featured performances from artists including UB40, Beverley Knight, Dexys Midnight Runners, Goldie, The Selecter and Jorja Smith.

Birmingham’s multicultural heritage was also celebrated during the ceremony, with performances from Caribbean and Asian communities.

The live event saw an attendance over 30,000 people.

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Committee Chair, John Crabtree, delivered a heartfelt speech thanking the 14,000 volunteers for their efforts and the crowds for their support. He then praised Birmingham for integrating disability sports into the event, which featured the largest Para-sports programme in the Commonwealth Games history.

The Duke of Wessex, Prince Edward, officially closed the ceremony: “Every four years, we endeavour to come together to celebrate our Commonwealth through sport.

“Thanks to the manner, style and enthusiasm with which you have competed, officiated, supported, organised and volunteered, you have, once again, brought the spirit and values of the Commonwealth to life.

“You have inspired us and hopefully future generations. You have also demonstrated what unites us. Thank you, Birmingham.”

More than 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories competed in 280 medal events across 11 days.

The next edition of the Games will be held in Victoria, Australia in 2026.