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1<\/p>\n
Twelve years after winning his first major international title in the 100m breaststroke at Glasgow 2014, Adam Peaty, now 31, heads back to Scotland hoping to remind everyone why he is one of Britain\u2019s greatest swimmers<\/a>. Peaty has won three Olympic gold medals and dominated the event for much of the past decade, but his aura of invincibility has faded since losing his unbeaten streak in 2022 and dealing with injuries and time away from the sport. Glasgow offers an opportunity to complete the circle.<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n For the first time in 60 years, the mile will replace the traditional 1500m on the programme, reviving an event synonymous with the Games\u2019 early history. Branded the Commonwealth Mile, the race\u2019s return was championed by the World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, who said it was a \u201cquintessential Commonwealth athletics event\u201d. The mile featured at every Games from 1930 until metric distances took over after 1966, but remains the only non\u2011metric event recognised officially for world records and rankings. Scotland\u2019s Josh Kerr, the new world record-holder<\/a>, will be favourite for the men\u2019s event and with women contesting the Commonwealth Mile for the first time organisers hope one of athletics\u2019 most romantic distances will once again become one of the Games\u2019 showpiece events.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Behind every event sits a much bigger question: can this become the blueprint for the Games\u2019 future? Rather than chasing scale, the Games have embraced simplicity, using only existing venues, reducing travel between sites and dramatically cutting costs after Victoria\u2019s withdrawal<\/a>. Commonwealth Sport describes the event as \u201ca bridge to a new era\u201d, arguing that a smaller, financially responsible Games will encourage more cities to bid in future after declining interest from hosts and broadcasters. Sustainability is central to that vision, with reduced carbon emissions, less waste and a place\u2011based model designed to leave a lasting legacy without burdening taxpayers. Failure of these Games would only intensify the questions over whether they still have a place in an increasingly crowded sporting calendar.<\/p>\n
\nReturn of Commonwealth Mile<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\nCan low-cost model save Games?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n