The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to commence in Glasgow on Thursday, July 23, featuring athletes from 74 nations and territories vying for athletic glory. This year’s event, hosted by Scotland after Victoria withdrew in 2023, will present a condensed program. Notably absent from the schedule are rugby sevens, hockey, cricket, beach volleyball, and table tennis. However, fan favorites like swimming, athletics, lawn bowls, and netball will be showcased across the 10-sport program.
While Australia dominated the medal tally at the 2022 Birmingham Games, they will be without two prominent gold medalists. Professional swimmer Ariarne Titmus has retired, and Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn due to illness. This opens the door for new stars to emerge. Beyond the expected track and field and swimming events, several compelling storylines and athletes are poised to capture attention.
Debutants and Established Stars Shine
Bodybuilding Meets the Games
In a unique crossover, Australian bodybuilder and para-powerlifter Daniel Bos will make his Commonwealth Games debut. The 29-year-old, known for his roles in productions like ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ and ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur,’ balances a successful acting career with elite athletic pursuits. Bos will compete in the men’s lightweight para-powerlifting event starting July 24. He shared with Paralympics Australia that his bodybuilding background complements his strength training, providing dual motivation. “I’m a bodybuilder by trade, as I like to say,” Bos explained. “But strength training has always fed into my physique goals and vice versa. You can’t stay shredded all year, so having something else to chase, like a lifting number instead of a measurement, is helping to keep me very motivated.”
A Grudge Race on the Velodrome
Cycling fans should keep a close eye on the velodrome, where a potentially heated rivalry is brewing. Matthew Richardson, an Australian cyclist who secured silver in the sprint and keirin at the 2024 Paris Olympics and gold in the sprint and team sprint at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has controversially switched allegiance to the United Kingdom following the Paris Olympics. This move has drawn criticism and is expected to add significant tension when he competes against his former Australian teammates. Australia’s cycling contingent includes Leigh Hoffman, Daniel Barber, Ryan Elliott, and Tayte Ryan, who will face Richardson in Glasgow.
Royal Presence and Musical Performances
Opening Ceremony Spectacle
The Games’ opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, July 24, at The Hydro arena in Glasgow. Dignitaries King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend. King Charles will read a message he penned and placed within the King’s Baton during a ceremony on Commonwealth Day in March 2025. The baton has since embarked on a journey across all 74 Commonwealth nations. The event will also feature performances by notable Scottish musicians, including KT Tunstall, known for her hit “Suddenly I See,” alongside Nathan Evans, Saint PHNX, Callum Beattie, and Nina Nesbitt.
Australia’s Strong Contenders
Netball Dominance Expected
Netball is an event where Australia, known as the ‘Diamonds,’ is a perennial favorite. As the reigning Commonwealth Games champions, having defeated Jamaica in the 2022 final, the team is the most successful netball nation in the history of the Games. Coach Stacey Marinkovich has selected a blend of experienced players and emerging talent to defend their title. Liz Watson will captain the squad, with Kate Moloney serving as vice-captain. Australia is placed in Pool A alongside England, South Africa, Malawi, Tonga, and Northern Ireland, commencing their campaign against Tonga on Saturday, July 25.
The Australian Netball Team for Glasgow 2026 includes:
- Kiera Austin (NSW)
- Courtney Bruce (WA)
- Sophie Dwyer (NSW) – Debut
- Sophie Garbin (WA) – Debut
- Matilda Garrett (VIC) – Debut
- Georgie Horjus (SA) – Debut
- Sarah Klau (SA)
- Cara Koenen (QLD)
- Kate Moloney (VIC)
- Jamie-Lee Price (NSW) – Debut
- Liz Watson (VIC)
- Jo Weston (VIC)
Reserves include Jessie Grenvold (SA), Amy Parmenter (NSW), and Donnell Wallam (WA).
Gymnast Aims for Historic Medal Haul
Australian gymnast Georgia Godwin is on the cusp of making history. With eight Commonwealth Games medals already to her name, she could become Australia’s most decorated female gymnast if she secures just one gold medal in Glasgow. This would surpass the record held by Allana Slater. The 28-year-old’s journey to the Games is particularly inspiring, having overcome an Achilles injury just three months before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Godwin returns to the international stage to defend her 2022 all-around and vault gold medals. “To be named to my third Commonwealth Games team is incredibly special,” Godwin stated. “I’m really proud to represent Australia again, especially after everything it’s taken to get back here.”
Boxing’s New Generation
For the first time since 2002, Australia will field a boxing team composed entirely of debutants, with eight athletes stepping into the ring. Among them is Emma-Sue Greentree, ranked world No.3 in the 75kg division. Greentree, a former athletics competitor for New South Wales, transitioned to boxing nearly a decade ago, finding a natural talent for the sport. She is considered a strong favorite for the gold medal, as none of the boxers ranked higher than her compete in Commonwealth countries. Greentree begins her campaign on July 24.
Lawn Bowls: The Quest for a Three-Peat
Aaron “Disco” Wilson, a crowd favorite, will aim for an unprecedented third consecutive lawn bowls gold medal. Wilson, famous for his exuberant celebrations after winning gold in 2018 and defending his title in 2022, is driven to continue his success. “To have the chance to chase a third straight Commonwealth Games gold medal is something really special,” Wilson commented. “Winning in Gold Coast and defending the title in Birmingham are moments I’ll never forget, but I’m still hungry for more. The standard keeps rising, and that’s exactly what drives me; I want to keep pushing myself and do everything I can to bring home another gold for Australia in Glasgow.”
Weightlifter Chasing Third Gold
Weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana, 26, is also pursuing a historic third consecutive gold medal. Cikamatana achieved this feat at the 2018 and 2022 Games, initially representing Fiji before switching allegiance to Australia. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to win individual Commonwealth Games gold medals for two different countries. “It’s always an honour to wear the green and gold. Defending my title in Glasgow is a huge motivation, and I’m ready to do the work and give everything for Australia,” Cikamatana stated. Her competition begins on July 26.
Judo’s Sibling Rivalry and Partnership
Australia’s judo team will feature two sibling pairs. 2022 gold medalist Aoife Coughlan will compete alongside her sister Maeve, while brothers Vas and Saya Middleton will make their Games debuts together. “Winning gold in Birmingham was a memorable moment in my career and I look forward to the opportunity to defend my title,” Aoife Coughlan shared. “To be able to share this experience with Maeve makes it even more special.” Judo events are scheduled from July 31, with medal finals on August 1.
An Unexpected DJ Set
Fans of the popular television series ‘Outlander’ may be surprised to learn that actor Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser, will be performing at the Games, not as an actor, but as a DJ. Heughan is scheduled to perform at the para powerlifting event on July 24, marking an unusual but intriguing appearance at the sporting spectacle.
The Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 2, with extensive coverage available on Seven. Daily live coverage begins at 6pm AEST from Friday, July 24.
