Athletes from 74 nations and territories globally are gearing up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place in Glasgow. This 23rd iteration of the Games will adopt a more streamlined format, featuring a concise program of just 10 sports, a notable reduction from the 20 sports contested in Birmingham four years prior. The diverse array of disciplines includes athletics and Para-athletics, swimming and Para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and Para-track cycling, netball, weightlifting and Para-powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and Para-bowls, as well as 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball. With an announcement expected next week revealing over 100 athletes for Team Wales, BBC Sport Wales recently connected with several hopefuls eager to don the red jersey this summer.
Among these aspiring competitors is double Olympic champion swimmer Matt Richards, who aims to complete his medal collection after a challenging performance four years ago. Richards, despite his numerous World and European titles, is determined to secure gold in Glasgow, expressing the deep personal significance of representing Wales. Similarly, teenage artistic gymnast Ruby Evans, a rising star with recent World Championship and British Championship successes, looks forward to her first Commonwealth Games. She is particularly excited to compete for her home country, a unique experience after primarily representing Great Britain. Para-athlete Funmi Oduwaiye, a former Wales Under-18s basketball player, who transitioned to para-athletics in 2022 and earned a bronze at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, is eager to make her Commonwealth debut in her preferred throwing events. Boxer Owain Harris-Allan, a bronze medalist at the 2022 Games, now 22, enters Glasgow with increased confidence and a clear goal of securing nothing less than gold. Finally, Libi Phillips, a 3x3 wheelchair basketball player, and her teammates were thrilled to receive a wildcard entry for Wales, highlighting the rapid and engaging nature of the 3x3 format. Meanwhile, seasoned lawn bowls competitor Ross Owen, preparing for his third Commonwealth Games, continues to find immense pride and inspiration in representing his nation, recalling his childhood dreams of following in his sporting heroes' footsteps.
These athletes embody the spirit of ambition and national pride as they prepare for the global stage. Their journeys reflect the dedication and perseverance required to excel at the highest levels of sport, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.