Netball star Helen Housby's hopes for Commonwealth Games

Housby, who famously won gold with England at the 2018 Games, has spoken out as the Commonwealth Games Federation continue to search for future hosts.

The 28-year-old wants to make more history after a moment five years ago that will never be forgotten.

Housby’s last-second goal against Australia won gold for England and she said: “That five-minute period after that goal went in is probably the happiest I've ever been in sport.

“Just to have that back would be incredible and to be able to relive that.

“The pure joy that we had as a squad for doing something that nobody expected of us, and then being able to stand on the podium.

“It still gives me goosebumps and I still haven't watched the whole game back. It’s too stressful.

“I've got the best memories of the Commonwealth Games, and I definitely don't want it to finish anytime soon.”

Housby has risen to the top in netball and this year was named player of the tournament at this year’s World Cup, when England reached the final.

The Cumbrian, from Drumleaning near Wigton, plays for New South Wales Swifts in Australia, and has been shortlisted for the prestigious Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award.

Housby is also conscious of the legacy of 2018 and hopes future Commonwealth Games will reap the benefits of that memorable time.

“It'd be really cool eventually to play on the same team as somebody who had 2018 as the reason for them playing netball,” she added.

Housby pictured after her famous winning shot against Australia in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final (Image: PA)

Following two heartbreaking losses to Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games semi-final and the Netball World Cup final earlier this year, England currently have to wait until 2027 for an opportunity to get one over on their southern hemisphere rivals.

And with many years of netball still ahead of her, Housby believes Team England have unfinished business when it comes to reclaiming their Commonwealth gold medal.

“I've got a lot of a lot of years left,” she added. “The next Commonwealth Games would be a way for us to right the wrongs.

“I just really hope that we can get the opportunity to do that, especially with the new group and the girls that we’ve got coming through.

“We're standing on the shoulders of everyone who's gone before us and everyone who's paved the way for England Netball.

“To see us now be competing on the same level as Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica, and knowing that quite often it's anyone's game when you go into these big championships, it’s very fulfilling.

“Hopefully, we can just stay at this level and increase, because we definitely don't want to go back to the bronze medal matches.”

The 2026 Commonwealth Games were plunged into crisis after the state of Victoria withdrew as hosts in July, with a new host yet to emerge.

One of the most diverse sports teams in the country, Team England is one of six nations to have taken part in every edition of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games. To find out more, and to follow the team, head to www.teamengland.org

Main reporting: Abi Curran - Sportsbeat.