With 100 days to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, eyes are turning to Glasgow and the world-class athletes set to descend on the city this summer.
Scotstoun Stadium will host the highly-anticipated Athletics and Para Athletics programme, where some of the biggest names in global athletics will go head-to-head in the hope of making the Commonwealth podium.
Among them are home nations stars including Dina Asher-Smith, Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman and Olivia Breen, athletes who have performed at the very top of the sport and now have the chance to leave their mark on Glasgow. Backed by a passionate crowd, they will be chasing those medals and history-making moments.
Dina Asher-Smith (Team England)
Britain’s fastest-ever woman and a double Commonwealth Games medallist, Dina Asher-Smith, returns to the Games this summer after missing out on Birmingham 2022 due to injury. A global name in sprinting, she is determined to come back with a bang and knows exactly what the occasion demands.
“For the athletes, I think the Commonwealth Games is the most fun championships we have, so I’m really, really excited,” she told us.
“With it being in Scotland, it still feels like home, so the support is going to be incredible.”
With some of the world’s best set to line up in Glasgow, Dina expects a spectacle for fans inside Scotstoun Stadium.
“You’re going to see a lot of really talented athletes come out and perform in Glasgow from all across the Commonwealth. You’re going to see some incredible performances, and I think a whole load of new all-comers Scottish records as well.”
Josh Kerr (Team Scotland)
Olympic medallist, world champion and one of the biggest names in middle-distance running, Josh Kerr, will arrive in Glasgow with the eyes of the sporting world on him.
Competing on home soil, the opportunity to race for Commonwealth gold in Scotland is one he has long dreamed of.
Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“What else would you want from a season really, every four years, in Scotland in front of a home crowd, going after a gold medal in the mile distance as well, that is why it is a massive priority in the season.
“That is what I grew up thinking about. For me that is what my family spoke about.
“And to know that it is in Scotland, it is just pretty special so why would I give up that opportunity for something else?”
With the crowd behind him, Kerr will be one of the headline acts of the entire Games.
Molly Caudery (Team England)
World Indoor Champion Molly Caudery has rapidly established herself as one of the standout names in global athletics. After claiming Pole Vault silver in Birmingham, she heads to Glasgow as one of the favourites for gold.
“I would love to upgrade my silver to gold in Glasgow. The Games in Gold Coast (2018) were my first major championships when I was just freshly 18, so they really hold a special place in my heart.”
Glasgow is already a city that holds special memories for Molly after winning her first world indoor title at the Glasgow Indoor Championships in 2024.
“I know that Glasgow is a good place for me, so I would love to come back and win gold.”
Jeremiah Azu (Team Wales)
Jeremiah Azu recently became the fastest Welshman ever across the 60m after being crowned World Indoor Champion in the same event last year. Following his Commonwealth debut in 2022, he is now ready to bring his explosive speed to the Glasgow track.
“Birmingham was mad. The fans were crazy, so it’s great to have it in the UK again. I can’t wait to feel the energy of that crowd.”
For Azu, the goal is clear. With the atmosphere building and the stakes at their highest, he is targeting the top of the podium.
“I can’t wait to represent Wales again. To try and get that gold and hear that national anthem, even thinking about that right now, I get emotional.”
Amy Hunt (Team England)
With an Olympic and world title to her name, some may be surprised to hear that Amy Hunt is yet to make her Commonwealth Games debut.
The Team England star has risen rapidly up the world rankings in recent years and will be looking to make it a first to remember this summer in Glasgow.
“My parents bought tickets for every session in Birmingham, and I ended up watching in the stands myself due to injury.
“I remember seeing Elaine (Thompson-Herah) winning the 200m and just hoping in four years I could be on that track too.”
Now stepping into the spotlight as one of the leading names in British sprinting, she is ready to deliver when it matters most.
“To now be coming in as one of the favourites is super exciting.”
Jake Wightman (Team Scotland)
A world champion and two-time Commonwealth bronze medallist, Jake Wightman knows what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.
For Jake, Glasgow 2026 presents an opportunity to step on the podium in front of a home crowd – a milestone he has yet to achieve.
“For me, and I’m sure every Team Scotland athlete, it’s the excitement of getting to compete in front of a home crowd.
“I might never have the opportunity to compete at a championship in Scotland again, so I definitely need to make the most of this and do everything I can to get on that medal table.”
Olivia Breen (Team Wales)
A Commonwealth Games champion and one of the most recognisable names in Para Athletics, Olivia Breen continues to set the standard on the global stage.
With a Gold Coast 2018 gold and bronze already to her name, she stole the hearts of the Birmingham crowd in 2022 when she stormed to victory in the T38 100m. She now looks ahead to Glasgow 2026 with experience, confidence and hunger for another victorious moment for Team Wales.
“I’ve evolved so much as an athlete since 2014,” she said.
“Each Games you learn more and get more competitive, so I feel I’m going into these Games the most ready I’ve ever been.”
Ben Pattison (Team England)
Ben Pattison claimed the 800m bronze in what was his first-ever senior championships back at Birmingham 2022.
A fierce first impression on the global senior championships stage, he returns to Glasgow looking for that upgrade.
“Birmingham was probably my favourite championship experience to date.
“The race itself, I still have nightmares about. I got in such a bad position at the end, and if I’m being honest, I think I should have come away with the gold.”
Driven by that experience, he wants more in Glasgow.
“This time around, I’ve got a medal to defend, and I’ll definitely be looking to upgrade that.”
For Ben, Scotstoun is the place to be this summer, with the Athletics and Para Athletics events sure to produce unmissable, history-making moments.
“I mean, if you’re Scottish, that men’s mile race is going to be amazing. You’ve got Josh Kerr, Jake Weightman and Neil Gourley – three of the best Britain has ever had, let alone Scotland.
“You’ve got Jemma Reekie, Laura Muir – the Scots, they are just unreal at the moment. It’s probably their best-ever era of middle-distance running. Obviously, us England guys are going to be putting on a show as well.
“Spectators are going to be wowed at the paces we’re running at.”
The countdown continues. Scotstoun is getting ready. You don’t want to miss this.
