WITH last week’s announcement that regional Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, one local athlete is circling the dates on the calendar.

Hamilton’s Milly Tapper has already competed at a Commonwealth Games in her home nation, courtesy of Gold Coast hosting the 2018 games, but the 2026 games will hold special appeal to the table tennis champion.

The two-time Olympian and Paralympian said she was glad to have it all locked in.

“I think the announcement was a pretty exciting one,” she said.

“It is nice to know that it is locked in now and I think it will be really exciting

“More so it really seems like a Victorian regional games which is really exciting.

“Being from the south-west, it is a great opportunity to compete in front of family and friends.”

The 32-year-old has competed at the 2014 Glasgow games and the 2018 games, and is aiming for selection in this year’s Birmingham games in England.

Tapper said having the 2026 games in her own home state offered extra motivation to stay at the top of her game.

“I guess it is a bit like dangling a carrot in front of me,” she said.

“I absolutely loved the entire experience of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, being closer to home it will probably be even better.

“I wouldn’t say it adds any pressure, it adds excitement and enjoyment, and it is really nice knowing the crowd has your back every time you step out and play.”

With the table tennis likely to be played in Geelong, Tapper will enjoy home court advantage having played at the Geelong facility many times previously.

The games also means many facilities will get upgraded, and will also attract attention with many of the sports often off the radar of most sport fanatics.

Tapper said the added exposure all athletes will get will be positive for them and their sports.

“I think all the sports that get included will be awesome, in particular table tennis,” she said.

“I have played multiple times in Geelong and it is going to be fantastic for the sport.”

With the events and athletes spread out across four hubs – Ballarat, Geelong, Gippsland and Bendigo – the south-west missed out on hosting events.

It also limits the crossover and opportunities for athletes to mingle with as many athletes in the village as normal.

Tapper said she still believed the new format would prove successful.

“I don’t know what the process was for choosing what places will get it, but in general it has gone out of the norm,” she said.

“It is a different way of setting up the games, but I don’t think it will impact negatively.

“I think they have made a great choice.

“It is a step in the right direction and it will be great.”

With selection for the 2026 games still a few years away, Tapper said it would be a dream come true to wear the green and gold in the event.

“That would be absolutely awesome,” she said.

“I have been very grateful and lucky to compete in a home games, and if I end up having a second chance, that sort of gives you goosebumps and the excitement that goes along with it.”

The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham get underway on July 28 and will run through until August 8.