Team Scotland’s Eilish McColgan has withdrawn from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after taking the difficult decision not to defend her women’s 10,000m title. 

The reigning Commonwealth Games champion has made good progress in her recovery from the toe injury she sustained following the London Marathon and has returned to running.  

However, with limited time to prepare for competition, McColgan has decided not to race before she is able to perform at the level she expects of herself. 

McColgan, who also won silver over 5000m at Birmingham 2022, said: “Sadly, I won’t be competing at Glasgow 2026. After almost 10 weeks out following the London Marathon with my toe injury, it probably won’t come as a huge surprise. 

“The good news is I’m back running. The bad news is I’ve simply run out of time to get myself, and my toe, back into spikes. Having started the year stronger than ever, I know the fitness is there but having only taken my first run outdoors a couple of weeks ago, the clock was always against me. 

“While these Games have come a few weeks too early for me, this isn’t the end of my season and I can’t wait to get back racing soon. 

“I’ll be in Glasgow all week cheering on Team Scotland and wish everyone on the team the best of luck at the Games.” 

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “We’re sad that Eilish won’t be competing at Glasgow 2026 as we know just how much it meant to her to defend her Commonwealth title in front of a home crowd. 

“Eilish is a legend of Scottish sport and her incredible 10,000m gold-medal victory in Birmingham will go down as one of the defining moments in Commonwealth Games history. 

“She has worked tirelessly to give herself every opportunity to be on the start line, and we completely support her decision not to return before she’s ready to compete at her very best. 

“We’re delighted she’ll still be with us in Glasgow supporting Team Scotland and wish her every success for the rest of the season.”