Gina Rinehart Exposed as Primary Supporter Behind Gold Coast’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has emerged as a key backer in Gold Coast’s bid to salvage the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

But it appears the sporting benefactor will not bankroll the project and is instead leaning on her existing contacts to support the 2018 host city.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Gina Rinehart jumps into Commonwealth Games rescue mission.

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The 2026 event remains on the backburner several weeks after Victoria scrapped plans to host it as a regional event, citing multibillion-dollar cost blowouts.

The Commonwealth Games as a whole were put in even greater doubt when the Canadian province of Alberta last week came to a similar conclusion and cancelled its bid for 2030 hosting rights.

Now Rinehart, who personally funds several of Australia’s top swimmers among other athletes, is supporting outspoken Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate’s plan to get his city back up to scratch over the next three years.

“Having seen the joy that athletes and their families experienced when competing in front of a home crowd for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Mrs Rinehart would certainly welcome the 2026 event to again be held in Australia, especially at the Gold Coast, where it was run so successfully before,” her spokesman told News Corp.

State governments outside Victoria and the federal government have all declined to contribute to hosting the Commonwealth Games.

It is unclear exactly how Tate, who claims a $1 billion price tag could work for the Gold Coast, expects to cover the expenses without significant financial support from governments or Rinehart.

“Her statement sends a clear message: we must show what we are capable of as a country,” he said.

“The Aussie athletes deserve it, as does every young kid who dreams of representing their country … the momentum behind a 2026 Gold Coast Games is growing.”

Olympian Matt Shirvington said on Sunrise “any support is welcomed at this point”.

Swimming Queensland, Volleyball Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia are reportedly leading the charge.

Rinehart recently attended the swimming world championships in Japan in support of the athletes she funds, including Kyle Chalmers.

“My fourth World Championships was extra special, I got to share my special moments with my Mum and Mrs Rinehart,” he wrote.

“The first time my Mum has seen me race live at a World Championships! These are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”