Three of Australia’s greatest athletes – Ian Thorpe, Cate Campbell and Curtis McGrath – will headline the Seven Network’s unrivalled commentary team.
Australia’s most loved and respected sports broadcaster, Bruce McAvaney, returns for his fifth Commonwealth Games, broadcasting from the UK alongside three-time Australian Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou.
In the video above: Touching moment Cody Simpson learns of Comm Games selection
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With an anticipated 200 genuine medal attempts for Australia, Seven has assembled a first-class team of hosts and commentators to deliver the best insights and breaking news from the Commonwealth Games.
Birmingham 2022 will mark this country’s second-biggest broadcast and digital event after Seven’s award-winning coverage of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
Australia’s most loved and respected sports broadcaster, Bruce McAvaney, returns for his fifth Commonwealth Games, broadcasting from the UK alongside three-time Australian Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou.
Counting down to the much-anticipated Games, Seven’s broadcast hosting team will be led by Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi and will feature Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Johanna Griggs, Abbey Holmes, Ryan Daniels and Trent Copeland.
Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Amy Parks and Matt Carmichael will be joined on the ground in Birmingham by Olympic and Commonwealth swimming great, Cate Campbell.
One of Australia’s most successful Commonwealth Games athletes, 10-time gold medallist Ian Thorpe, will join Seven’s commentary team to call swimming events, following his acclaimed commentary contribution during Seven’s coverage of Tokyo 2020.
Australian Paralympians Annie Williams and Curtis McGrath will further strengthen Seven’s coverage as they lead the broadcast of the fully integrated para program, also featuring fellow Commonwealth Games medallists David Culbert, Kate Bates, Georgie Parker, Scott McGrory and Catherine Cox.
Master broadcaster Basil Zempilas leads an impressive team of callers, including the voice of cycling, Phil Liggett (who will join live from Birmingham), rugby expert Greg Clark and accomplished callers Matt Hill, Alister Nicholson, Jon Harker, Liz Chetkovic and Sue Gaudion.
Following an incredible Summer of Cricket on Seven, experienced callers Alison Mitchell and Lisa Sthalekar will provide expert commentary during the T20 cricket, while Australian Rugby 7s’ star Tiana Penitani and Australian cyclist Paul van der Ploeg round out the team.
Full list of commentators by sport
- Athletics: Bruce McAvaney, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, David Culbert, Jason Richardson, Matt Hill.
- Boxing: Jon Harker.
- Cricket: Lisa Sthalekar, Alison Mitchell
- Cycling: Scott McGrory, Kate Bates, Paul van der Ploeg, Matt Carmichael, Phil Liggett, Curtis McGrath.
- Gymnastics: Liz Chetkovich.
- Hockey: Alister Nicholson, Georgie Parker.
- Netball: Catherine Cox, Sue Gaudion.
- Rugby: Gregory Clark, Tiana Penitani.
- Swimming: Ian Thorpe, Cate Campbell, Basil Zempilas.
Seven’s broadcast hosting schedule
7.00pm – 11.00pm AEST live on Channel 7
Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi will entertain viewers through Seven’s nightly prime-time coverage of the Games including our Aussie’s best swimming, athletics and cycling moments, along with live athlete and family interviews direct from Birmingham.
11.00pm – 12.30am AEST Brum Drum, live on Channel 7
Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson will join us from the host city each day, for Brum Drum, Seven’s official Birmingham 2022 live show, with the best of the late-night coverage of the Games, alongside a rotating cast of nightly guests.
12.30am – 3.30am AEST live on Channel 7
Abbey Holmes and Ryan Daniels will present the best of the overnight action in Birmingham, including our Aussies taking on 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, hockey, netball, and rugby 7s.
3.30am – 5.30am AEST live on Channel 7, 5.30am – 7.30am AEST live on 7mate
Emma Freedman and Matt Shirvington will bring us the best gold medal moments each morning, covering finals across multiple sports.
3.00pm – 5.00pm AEST, live on Channel 7 (weekdays)
Johanna Griggs brings viewers the best from Birmingham each day of the Games.
Seven’s Commonwealth Games hosts
HAMISH McLACHLAN:
Hamish is one of Australia’s best and most experienced broadcasters, having hosted and commentated on a wide range of sports including the Olympic Games, AFL, horse racing, tennis and Commonwealth Games. He will co-host Seven’s prime-time coverage of Birmingham each night alongside Abbey Gelmi. Hamish boasts extraordinary Games knowledge and a passion and enthusiasm for all sporting disciplines.
ABBEY GELMI:
Abbey has quickly become one of Seven’s most versatile hosts, having presented across the network’s Olympics, AFL, cricket, horse racing and Brownlow Medal coverage with poise, grace and infectious enthusiasm. As the granddaughter of Australian middle-distance great Herb Elliott, sport is in Abbey’s blood. Following her first Olympic Games coverage for Tokyo 2020, Abbey will return to Seven’s prime-time coverage of Birmingham 2022 alongside Hamish McLachlan from 7.00pm daily AEST.
JOHANNA GRIGGS:
Johanna represented Australia in swimming at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990, winning bronze in the 100m backstroke, before becoming one of the most popular TV personalities on Australian screens. Johanna has been part of Seven’s coverage of most major sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, tennis and horse racing, as well as hosting the top-rating lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens. Johanna will welcome viewers on air from 3.00pm daily AEST.
MATT SHIRVINGTON:
One of the greats of Australian track and field, Matt represented his country at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the 1998 and 2006 Commonwealth Games and seven World Championships. A key member of the 7NEWS, Sunrise and 7SPORT teams, “Shirvo” recently hosted the afternoon coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the network. Matt will co-host the early morning shift, from 3.30am daily AEST.
EMMA FREEDMAN:
Emma is a popular television and radio presenter with extensive experience across a wide range of sports. She anchored Seven’s morning coverage of the Tokyo Games on 7mate, as well as regularly joining Seven’s horse racing coverage and the Supercars Bathurst 1000 team. Emma will co-host the early morning shift, alongside Matt Shirvington.
ABBEY HOLMES:
A late convert to football after a promising netball career, Abbey led the NTFL’s goalkicking table and won a premiership in her first four seasons, memorably becoming the first woman to kick 100 goals in a season in 2013-14. An Adelaide premiership player in the AFLW’s inaugural 2017 season, Abbey has been a great addition to Seven’s AFLW and AFL coverage, both as an expert and field commentator, and featured prominently in last year’s AFL Grand Final coverage in Perth.
RYAN DANIELS:
Ryan began his media career with Seven in 2007, working in a range of roles before joining the sports team full-time in 2010. He has always been obsessed with sports, keeping notes of statistics and facts on everything from football to basketball to badminton. During his time at Seven, Ryan has covered multiple AFL Grand Finals and is a nine-time winner at the WA Football Awards. Ryan stepped into the role of 7NEWS Perth Sports Presenter earlier this year.
MEL McLAUGHLIN:
Mel is a highly respected sports anchor and live-to-air broadcaster, who has covered a host of major international sporting events, including both summer and winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, the FIFA World Cup, tennis and most recently the 2021-22 Ashes series. Mel will be joined by Jason Richardson to present Seven’s Birmingham live show Brum Drum, each night from 11.00pm AEST.
JASON RICHARDSON:
“Richo” is a Stawell Gift race winner who has carved out an impressive broadcasting career with Seven. He has hosted and commentated on various events including the Australian Open tennis, the past two Olympic Games, the Spring Racing Carnival, the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
MARK BERETTA:
Mark, or “Beretts” as he’s more affectionately known, is one of Australia’s best known and most admired sports commentators. He has covered every major Australian and international sporting event in an incredible career spanning three decades, including every Summer and Winter Olympic Games Seven has covered since 1996, the AFL, Australian Open tennis and the Supercars. For the past 18 years, Mark has been a much-loved member of Australia’s No.1 breakfast show, Sunrise, keeping viewers up to date with all the latest sport headlines from Australia and around the world. He is also a 10-time Australian water ski champion.
ANNABELLE WILLIAMS:
During her swimming career, Annie captained the Australian Paralympic swim team, broke five world records and won numerous medals for Australia, including gold at the Paralympic Games London 2012. Her achievements out of the pool are just as impressive: an accomplished sports broadcaster, international speaker and former corporate lawyer, Annie’s humorous and heart-warming storytelling captivates, entertains and inspires.
TRENT COPELAND:
The NSW fast bowling great, who also played three Tests for Australia, has established himself as one of the rising stars on Seven’s cricket coverage since joining the commentary team in the 2018-19 international summer. The man more affectionately known as “Copes” will jump in the hosting chair across 7plus programming for Birmingham 2022.
Seven’s Commonwealth Games commentators
BRUCE McAVANEY:
Recognised on the world stage, Bruce is one of the greatest sport broadcasters we have ever seen and heard. In recognition of his outstanding career, Bruce was honoured with the Melbourne Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award last year and was inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame in June this year. This followed his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002, and a Medal of the Order of Australia that same year. Bruce’s depth and breadth of sporting knowledge is peerless, while he brings an unbridled passion and enthusiasm to the Commonwealth Games, especially track and field.
IAN THORPE:
Ian is Australia’s most successful Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete, having won a record five gold medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. At 15, he became the youngest male world champion when he won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 1998 World Championships. He would add 13 long-course world records and win 11 gold medals at the World Championships as well as 10 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. Affectionately known as “Thorpedo”, Ian brings his brilliant sporting insight and analysis to Birmingham for Seven, backing up from Tokyo 2020.
CURTIS McGRATH:
Curtis is an Australian para-canoeist and former soldier. He took up canoeing competitively after both of his legs were amputated as a result of a mine blast while serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan. He won consecutive gold medals in the Men’s KL2 at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and has won 10 gold medals and a silver at ICF Paracanoe World Championships between 2014 and 2019.
TAMSYN LEWIS-MANOU:
A three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and winner of 18 Australian Championships at 400m, 800m and 400m hurdles, Tamsyn will be Bruce McAvaney’s wing woman in commentary at the track and field in Birmingham, adding her sharp analysis and vivacious personality to one of the hottest events on the Games calendar.
CATE CAMPBELL:
One of Australia’s most decorated members of the Dolphins swimming team, Cate is a current multiple world record holder and has won a total of six Olympic medals, including three gold between 2008 and 2020. She was one of two flagbearers for Australia at the Tokyo Games in 2020, alongside basketballer Patty Mills. The Malawi-born athlete is studying a degree in mass communications at Queensland University of Technology, with an eye to pursuing a full-time media career once she hangs up her goggles.
BASIL ZEMPILAS:
Basil is a man of many talents, presenting TV, radio, and sport as well as being elected Lord Mayor of Perth in 2020. He presented sport until 2022 on 7NEWS in Perth, and from January 2014 to December 2020 he co-hosted Perth radio station 6PR’s breakfast show with Steve Mills. He is also a member of Seven’s AFL football commentary team and has represented the network in commentary at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He will call swimming events for Seven during Birmingham 2022.
LISA STHALEKAR:
The former Australian women’s cricket captain carved out an impressive career as an all-rounder which saw her named Australian Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Since retiring in 2013, Lisa has made an impressive transition to the commentary box, bringing her inside knowledge of the women’s game to the highest level. Thoughtful and articulate, Lisa will lead coverage of the T20 competition.
ALISON MITCHELL:
Alison brings her acclaimed sports broadcasting skills to Seven’s telecast from Birmingham, leading coverage of the Cricket T20. A member of Seven’s Cricket broadcast team, her experience also includes Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon, Australian Open and French Open tennis, as well as Open Golf. She was the first woman to become a regular commentator on the BBC’s Test Match Special and the first woman to have called men’s cricket ball-by-ball on ABC Radio Grandstand in Australia.
ALISTER NICHOLSON:
Alister has emerged as one of Australian sport’s most recognisable voices over the past decade, both as an ABC Grandstand commentator on cricket and AFL. While he has been a popular member of Seven’s BBL commentary team in recent years, his broadcasting experience extends to the NRL, Commonwealth Games, Australia’s major golf tournaments and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. For Birmingham 2022, he will be calling the hockey.
GEORGIE PARKER:
Georgie is a popular television presenter with experience across multiple sports, including Seven’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games coverage and the AFL. She is a former member of the Australian women’s hockey team, claiming a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2014. Georgie will call the hockey alongside Alister Nicholson.
DAVID CULBERT:
A long jump finalist at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and two-time silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Dave has established himself as a renowned Olympic Games broadcaster and will provide commentary for the athletics at this year’s Games.
MATT HILL:
Matt is a leading Australian race caller and sport broadcaster. Recognised throughout the industry for his flair, commitment and accuracy, he has honed his skills over many years calling myriad sports, from horse racing to greyhound racing, tennis, AFL, the Olympic Games and more. Matt will call various events including athletics, triathlon and para-triathlon at Birmingham 2022.
SCOTT McGRORY:
An outstanding Australian cyclist and sports caster, Scott won gold in the Madison at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney in one of the most remarkable stories every told. His accomplishment alongside Brett Aitken is legendary and he will be ready to carry that knowledge and emotion into his speedskating commentary for Birmingham.
PAUL VAN DER PLOEG:
Paul is a former professional bike rider who won several national championships in the mountain bike and Cyclo-cross disciplines, along with the 2011 World Cup Sprint Eliminator in England and the 2013 XCE World Championship in South Africa. Paul will provide his expert insights to the mountain bike competition in Birmingham.
PHIL LIGGETT:
Phil has entrenched himself as international cycling’s most authoritative voice over a glittering 54-year career. This year he will cover his 50th Tour de France, while Tokyo 2020 was his 16th Olympic Games. Among a litany of professional accolades, Phil was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005 for services to cycling and inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame in 2009. For Birmingham, he will join Scott McGrory to cover all the action of the Time Trial and Road Race.
JON HARKER:
Over more than 35 years, Jon has forged a highly successful media career, working as a journalist, host and commentator across TV, radio, and print media. Jon has vast commentary experience at the Olympic Games and during Birmingham will give voice to the action across boxing events.
KATE BATES:
Kate is a former Australian track and road cyclist, a multiple national champion and the Commonwealth Games champion in 2002 and 2006. She competed in both track and road cyclin at the Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the individual pursuit at the 2004 Summer Olympics and sixth in the points race at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She retired in December 2011 due to injury and has since worked as a freelance TV commentator and host. She has covered World Championships, Olympic Games, Tour de France and other National and World Tour cycling events for Seven and SBS.
LIZ CHETKOVIC:
Liz is the voice of world gymnastics, introducing Australian audiences to the intricacies of a sport which matches extraordinary athleticism with spectacular drama. Her in-depth knowledge and experience as a high-performance coach and community sport advisor is evident in her insightful commentary, showcased at Olympic and Commonwealth Games. She will lead Seven’s gymnastics commentary at Birmingham 2022.
CATHERINE COX:
A former Australian netball international and leading netball commentator, Catherine Cox will bring the same energy and excitement to the Birmingham Games as she did to her playing career. As a 16-year veteran of the Australian Diamonds, she won gold medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 and 2011 World Netball Championships and captained her country on seven occasions, leading the team to victory at the 2011 Constellation Cup.
SUE GAUDION:
Sue Gaudion is a popular and entertaining media personality with vast experience in radio and television. With a wicked sense of humour and a quick wit, Sue is as smooth and engaging as they come and has the ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand. Never short of a story, Sue is a genuine entertainer. Sue will call the netball during Seven’s coverage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
GREG CLARK:
The voice of rugby in Australia, Greg’s stellar calling career has spanned more than 20 years, over 200 Test matches and countless Super Rugby classics. Greg will bring his trademark accuracy and entertaining commentary style to the Rugby 7s.
TIANA PENITANI:
Tiana captained Australia to the gold medal in Rugby Sevens at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, having a year earlier become the youngest player ever to represent Australia at a Rugby World Cup in the 7s tournament in Russia. In 2019, Tiana switched to rugby league and currently plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL Women’s Premiership. She will commentate on all the Rugby Sevens action in Birmingham.
Just like Tokyo 2020 on Seven, there will be one destination to watch every epic feat, every medal moment, every record attempt and every inspiring turn from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
7plus is the only place to watch up to 30 live and replay channels of sport, see what’s on when, keep up to date with the medal tally, create a watchlist to follow your favourite events and catch up on highlights.
