Happy anniversary!
It’s twelve months to the day since Kirsty Gilmour and Micky Yule led Team Scotland into the Alexander Stadium to kickstart the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
What followed was eleven days of incredible sporting competition, bringing together 72 nations and territories and over 5,000 athletes across 20 sports. The sporting schedule saw its largest ever integrated para-sport programme, and the first major multi-sport Games to have more events for women than men.
1.5 million people attended events at the Games, a new record, with millions more watching at home. BBC viewing figures were incredible, with the Games streamed 57.1 million times on BBC digital platforms and 28.6 million watching on TV.
I had the privilege of being Chief Executive Officer for the Games, and was a proud Scot on the side-lines watching our athletes do the country proud.
A sixth placed finish on the medal table, with a haul only bettered by the total from Glasgow 2014 – our athletes stepped up and shone on the international stage.
Medals were won across a record-equalling range of sports, including first ever medals in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and Para Powerlifting, best ever results in Aquatics, Cycling and Triathlon, and a clean sweep of gold medals in Para Lawn Bowls.
Who could forget the magic moments from across the Games – from Eilish McColgan’s career-defining 10,000m win to a flurry of golds from our Boxing team on the penultimate day of competition.
Birmingham showcased so many aspects of what is great about both Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games.
Our best athletes prioritised competing for us at the Games because of the pride they take in representing their country. It would have been easy in a congested year for some to take a break and miss the Games, but they all wanted to perform and win under the Saltire flag.
Our team of athletes and staff had representation from 31 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland – truly representative of the nation spanning from Orkney to the Borders.
From 75-year-old gold medallists to breakthrough talents, a balance of gender, para and non-para athletes side by side – our team is diverse and one that everyone in Scotland can identify with.
The Games left a lasting impact on the West Midlands. It engaged local, national and international audiences alike, and will be remembered fondly by a city that is home to 187 nationalities from around the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.
The model of delivery for Birmingham, like Glasgow and Gold Coast before it, demonstrated a sustainable model for the Games. They all ran under budget and delivered significant value to the host communities – making use of good existing facilities, complimented by targeted investment to infrastructure that upgrades that can deliver value in future years.
Birmingham was delivered at a cost of £668.7 million, around half the initial budget for Victoria 2026. The revised figures being quoted last week were around five times that delivery cost and were difficult to recognise based on my experiences with Glasgow and Birmingham.
Their withdrawal from hosting was a shock to us all. Australia has been a great host of many successful Games in the past, so we had every confidence in their ability to deliver this time round.
We recognise the uncertainty it creates for our athletes and sports, and hope a solution is found to continue the momentum generated from three successful Games for both Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Movement.
Our immediate focus turns to Trinidad and Tobago, where 49 of our best young athletes will compete over the coming weeks across seven sports.
The Youth Games was founded in Scotland back in 2000, and has been a springboard for world-class athletes such as Hannah Miley and Josh Taylor in the past.
It also provides an incredible learning opportunity for athletes to experience a part of the world they most likely have never experienced before.
Good luck to everyone heading to the Caribbean – we look forward to you representing your country with pride.
Ian Reid CBE
Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland
“The whole clan” were cheering on the sidelines as Beth Potter won Team Scotland’s first medal of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
A time of 56:46 gave Potter the bronze medal in the Triathlon Women’s Individual Sprint Distance event at Sutton Park, with Bermuda’s Flora Duffy winning gold and Georgia Taylor-Brown of England in silver.
And Potter had plenty of support to celebrate the moment with.
“I’ve got a lot of family and friends here, even mum’s dog!
“My coaches – my run coach, my overall coach, Alistair Brownlee who has been helping with my biking. My parents, sister, cousins – just the whole clan!
“I saw my Dad when I was running down – he’s got this Scotland football shirt that says ‘Go Beth’ across the front that he’s had since 2014, so he had that on.
“And I saw my aunt on the course but haven’t seen anyone else yet, so I’ll have to wait to catch up with all of them.”
The 30-year-old made history four years ago by becoming the first Team Scotland athlete to compete in multiple sporting disciplines at the same Games, running the 10,000 metres in athletes after competing in triathlon.
This time she has marked her name in the record books for getting on the podium and taking home Scotland’s first medal in Birmingham.
Team Scotland is disappointed to confirm that Katie Archibald has been forced to withdraw from the cycling team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Having been plagued by bad luck throughout the first half of 2022, Archibald and the team around her have made the decision that she is not in a position to compete at the Games, and instead needs to focus on making a full recovery.
Naturally this is extremely disappointing for Katie and her team, as well as her fans, but rest assured this decision has not been taken lightly.
Of that decision, Katie said: “I took two weeks off in January this year while recovering from shoulder surgery. That was a scheduled break. However since then I’ve managed to fit in, unscheduled: a back fracture, covid, a concussion, a broken collarbone, another surgery, and (the final cherry on top) two sprained ankles and a big ballooned leg.
“I’ve tried my hardest to keep my head up – and certainly had enough support from British Cycling, Scottish Cycling, and Ceratizit–WNT Pro Cycling to do so – but I’m just not coping.
“So with a very heavy heart I’ve decided to withdraw from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. This isn’t a happy thing to share. Representing Scotland means so much to me, but that’s where I am.
“My best to all my teammates (big brother included!) who I know will do us proud. And my thanks again to Scottish Cycling for their support. They put a lot behind me to try and achieve something special this year and, even though I’m not going to manage that, I’m so grateful for their backing.”
Commenting on the decision, Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “We are really disappointed for Katie that she has had to take the tough decision to withdraw from the Games. Her welfare is of the utmost importance and we wish her a speedy recovery. Katie is a huge supporter and advocate of Scottish sport and I have no doubt that Katie will be cheering the team on from the sidelines.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland has today announced that three further members of the aquatics team have secured selection for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, bringing the total Team Scotland size to 261.
Gregor Swinney, Tom Beeley and Danny Mabbott are the latest athletes to be named in the Team Scotland line-up.
Gregor Swinney, the current Scottish National Champion and recordholder in the 50m butterfly, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in the West Midlands. A member of the City of Glasgow Swim Team, the 25-year-old lowered his own record at the Scottish National Championships in Aberdeen at the start of the month, after breaking the record for the first time in April at the British Championships.
Fellow butterfly specialist Tom Beeley has also been added to the team – strengthening Scotland’s fly and relay events. Tom was part of the aquatics squad who travelled to the Bahamas for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. Currently Tom swims for Plymouth Leander, where he attends university, but grew up in Aberdeen, being coached by Patrick Miley – dad and coach of Hannah.
The addition of Danny Mabbott extends the record breaking number of divers on Team Scotland, from seven to eight. Danny, who trains at the Royal Commonwealth Pool with Edinburgh Diving Club, is just 17 and will be competing at the European Junior Diving Championships in Bucharest, later this month.
Edinburgh Diving Club, who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, have a proud Commonwealth history, with Danny the latest in the long line of divers representing Team Scotland from the club. He joins current Edinburgh teammates, James Heatly, Clara Kerr, Angus Menmuir, Gemma McArthur and Ross Beattie on the team. Danny specialises in springboard events, comfortable from both the 1m and 3m boards.
Commenting on his selection, Gregor said: “I’m immensely proud. I was so surprised when I found out I’d been selected. I’m delighted for my mum and dad because they’ve put so much time, effort and support behind me. Hopefully I can go to Birmingham and make them proud.”
For Team Scotland Chef de Mission, these final selections are a moment of pride and excitement “Congratulations to Gregor, Tom and Danny – what a moment and an achievement for them, and we look forward to watching them compete in Birmingham.
“The announcement of these selections brings our total team size to 261. With less than a month to go to the Opening Ceremony, the excitement is really building now amongst the team. Team Scotland is so much more than medals – it is about competing, team work and pride in representing your country. I have no doubt that all our athletes and staff will do their very best this summer and we will have the strength of a nation behind us every step of the way.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland has today announced the squad selected for the Team Scotland men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens, who will compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games which begin later this month.
Lee Jones is selected for his fourth Commonwealth Games having featured at Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014 and the Gold Coast in 2018.
It’s a historical moment for Rugby Sevens as a women’s team will represent Team Scotland for the first time, having earned an invite to Birmingham after a strong performance at the 2021 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series, where they earned fourth place.
This will be a first Commonwealth Games experience for the 13-strong women’s team although they will be able to take guidance in the multi-sport Games time environment from Lisa Thomson who represented Team GB at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo last year.
Fellow Olympians Alec Coombes, Robbie Fergusson and Ross McCann are joined by Jones and Jamie Farndale, who returns to Team Scotland from the 2018 Gold Coast Games to captain the side.
The men’s selection is completed by Kaleem Barreto, Matt Davidson, Harvey Elms, Grant Hughes, Paddy Kelly, Jordan Edmunds, Jacob Henry and Femi Sofolarin.
The women’s side will be co-captained by Helen Nelson and Lisa Thomson. Their team selection is made up of a mix of experienced sevens and VXs players as well as exciting young talent. Completing their squad is Rachel McLachlan, Emma Orr, Megan Gaffney, Eilidh Sinclair, Evie Gallagher, Caity Mattinson, Chloe Rollie, Meryl Smith, Shona Campbell, Liz Musgrove and Rhona Lloyd.
On selection to his fourth Commonwealth Games Lee Jones said, “To get selected for the Commonwealth Games is such an honour and it’s hard to believe this will be my fourth. This is a really talented group and one which I hope to play a small part in the success of in Birmingham.”
Lisa Thomson said, “I’m over the moon to be selected in the first Team Scotland women’s Rugby Sevens side at the Commonwealth Games.
“As a team, we want to inspire the next generation of rugby players and to have the chance to compete on the global stage gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our sport.
“It’s always a privilege to pull on a Scotland jersey but to be a part of Team Scotland, alongside 17 other sports while being so close to home, it’s extra special.”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss said, “This is a fantastic achievement for our Rugby Sevens players.
“For the women in particular, this is a historic moment and one I know they all take great pride in – representing your country at any time is special but to be the first to represent your country in Rugby Sevens at a Commonwealth Games is extra special.
“There is real strength and depth in these squads and I look forward to watching them play at the Coventry Stadium at the end of July.”
Men’s Team Selection
Jamie Farndale (captain)
Alec Coombes
Ross McCann
Grant Hughes
Paddy Kelly
Kaleem Barreto
Robbie Fergusson
Matt Davidson
Harvey Elms
Lee Jones
Jordan Edmunds
Femi Sofolarin
Jacob Henry
Head Coach – Ciaran Beattie
Women’s Team Selection
Rachel McLachlan
Emma Orr
Megan Gaffney
Eilidh Sinclair
Evie Gallagher
Lisa Thomson (co-captain)
Helen Nelson (co-captain)
Caity Mattinson
Chloe Rollie
Meryl Smith
Shona Campbell
Liz Musgrove
Rhona Lloyd
Head Coach – Scott Forrest
The rugby sevens event will take place at Coventry Stadium from Friday 29 July – Sunday 31 July 2022.
Team Scotland has today announced the men’s hockey squad who will compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 18-strong squad is captained by GB international Alan Forsyth, who heads to his fourth Commonwealth Games, with the selection coming after a strong performance by Scotland in a highly competitive Four-Nations tournament featuring Ireland, Wales, and the USA.
In Birmingham the Blue Sticks will face Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan in an exciting Pool A.
For Forsyth, who grew up in Paisley, captaining his country is a special moment, “It’s an absolute privilege to be selected. If you had asked me when I was 16 or 17 when I got my first cap, I wouldn’t have thought I’d make it to four Commonwealth Games, so it’s an absolute honour to pull on the jersey again.
“When I think back to the 2010 Commonwealth Games – I think I was 17 – I remember playing India in Delhi and it was an unreal moment standing there for the Indian national anthem in front of 16,000 singing home fans. For me, as I get older, it’s really important to sing the anthem and take all these things in, and I’m looking forward to that in Birmingham.
“It’s an honour to captain my country, especially at such a big event, but we’re lucky to have plenty of leaders in the team. It’s great to be captain but we have a good leadership group and the young ones coming through are leaders in their own right. I’m really excited for this squad going to Birmingham.”
Also heading to Birmingham this summer is Grange goalkeeper David Forrester, who was selected for the Gold Coast Games in 2018 but had to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury.
Reflecting on the years since Gold Coast, Forrester explained, “I’m so happy to be selected, it’s the second time for me. Four years ago, when I missed out, I set myself the target of being there in four years’ time, so being selected for the Games has always been the light at the end of the tunnel, and a lot of effort is coming to fruition for me right now.”
Western Wildcats trio – Callum Duke, Rob Harwood, and Andy McConnell all make the line-up with Duke and Harwood also both playing for Scotland in Gold Coast in 2018.
Glaswegian Duke, said, “I’m so excited for the tournament, it’s such a privilege to be part of the team. There’s such great competition across the squad so I’m delighted to be selected.
“It’s a huge thing for Western Wildcats to have three players selected, more so for Rob and Andrew who grew up at the club, but all the Scotland players at the club trained together all year with this summer as a goal in mind. We’ve been going down early for training and all those sessions have contributed to the three of us being there.”
Birmingham will be a second Games for Duncan Riddell from Edinburgh who is excited for what is almost a home Games experience, “I’m incredibly proud, it was such a good feeling when I heard the news. I was incredibly nervous before but now I just can’t wait to get going for what’s close to a home Games, which will be so different from the last one. My family were incredibly proud when they heard the news, there were tears on the phone, so it’s a big moment.
“The Games are just down the road so I think we’ll have a big following, I know all my friends and family have started buying tickets. I can’t wait to be part of it.”
The prospect of a Games close to home has also excited Ed Greaves, who added, “It’s not far for our families to come and support, which is the big thing. I was injured for the last Commonwealth Games and I was extremely gutted to miss out. It feels like the four years of working hard to get back fit and staying at the top of my game has all paid off.”
Glasgow-born Hamburg-based youngster, Struan Walker, is also heading to his first Commonwealth Games fellow debutants and brothers Cammy and Jamie Golden, from Dundee. Walker said, “I’m buzzing, and my family are all ecstatic, it’s going to be a great experience. I’m looking forward to coming up against some of the best teams in the world and just enjoy the experience of testing myself on a stage like the Commonwealth Games.”
In another family tie Murray Collins has been selected after his sister, Robyn Collins, was selected for the women’s squad in June.
Commenting on the selection, Team Scotland Chef de Mission Elinor Middlemiss said, “I am really pleased for and congratulate all of the men’s hockey squad on their selection for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Receiving a Scotland cap at any time is special but to play at a “home” Games is a proud moment for any athlete. I wish the Blue Sticks and their coaching team every success and I look forward to watching them on the pitch at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre.”
The hockey competition runs from 29 July to 8 August at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre.
Immediately after Birmingham Scotland play in the men’s EuroHockey qualifiers, on 24-27 August, where the Scots take on Wales, Switzerland and Gibraltar for a place in the EuroHockey Championships.
Scotland men’s squad for Birmingham 2022:
Tommy Alexander (Der Club An Der Alster)
Michael Bremner (UHC Hamburg)
Andy Bull (Old Georgians HC)
Murray Collins (Teddington Hockey Club)
Callum Duke (Western Wildcats)
Rob Field (Holcombe)
Dave Forrester (Grange HC)
Alan Forsyth (HGC)
Cammy Golden (UHC Hamburg)
Jamie Golden (Surbiton Hockey Club)
Ed Greaves (Teddington HC)
Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)
Callum Mackenzie (Wimbledon HC)
Andy McConnell (Western Wildcats)
Lee Morton (Old Georgians)
Duncan Riddell (Grange HC)
Robbie Shepherdson (Teddington HC)
Struan Walker (Club An Der Alster)
Commonwealth Games Scotland has today announced the women’s and men’s 3×3 basketball and women’s wheelchair 3×3 basketball squads who will take to the specially created court in Smithfield in Birmingham this summer.
3×3 basketball will feature in the Commonwealth Games for the first time, after taking the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by storm last year. In a historic move, 3×3 wheelchair basketball will be the first wheelchair basketball discipline to have featured in the Commonwealth Games.
With only half a court and just one hoop for both teams to attack, gaining possession and using it well is the key to the game. The more familiar 5×5 version of the game has been contested twice at the Games – both at Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018, where Scotland’s men finished an impressive fourth.
GB international Gareth Murray, featured in both those previous tournaments and is set to play in his third Games alongside his Gold Coast and Glasgow Rocks team mates Fraser Malcolm and Jonathan Bunyan – both from Falkirk – and Nottingham Hood guard Kyle Jimenez, who is from Edinburgh.
The women’s side features Commonwealth Games debutants of GB guard Hannah Robb, Caledonia Pride’s Sian Phillips, Edinburgh forward Claire Paxton and London-based Kennedy Leonard.
Both Scotland’s men and women secured qualification for the Games earlier this year during a home nations qualifying tournament at the sportscotland National Training Centre in Inverclyde. The Scots went unbeaten with both teams securing victories over Northern Ireland in the finals; the men’s side running out a comfortable 21-5 win, while the women’s quartet
dominated 21-13.
Talking about selection for his third Games and his role as player-coach this summer, Gareth Murray said “I am really proud to once again pull on a Scotland vest at the Commonwealth Games. Melbourne and Gold Coast in particular, were fantastic experiences and I am really honoured to be leading our team at what is effectively, a home Games.
“It is great that we get to play 3×3 – it is so quick and so much fun to play. I have no doubt that the atmosphere in Birmingham will be electric.”
Scotland has called up a strong wheelchair 3×3 team who will take on Australia and South Africa in Group B. The squad, who were also dominant in Inverclyde earlier this year, features GB stars Robyn Love and Jude Hamer, alongside Jessica Whyte and Lynsey Speirs.
Love, a world and European medallist, helped Paralympics GB to a historic fourth place last year in Tokyo and is relishing the opportunity to get onto the court in Birmingham and make history “It is an incredible feeling to be selected for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and to debut our amazing sport.
“3×3 wheelchair basketball is fast-paced, thrilling and exciting. It is even more special that we are playing wheelchair basketball at the Commonwealth Games for the first time , and can showcase how brilliant para-sport is. We have a fantastic team in place and we are so excited to be playing for Scotland. We will give it our all to bring home a medal this summer.”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission Elinor Middlemiss said “I am absolutely delighted for all the players selected to compete for Scotland this summer in Birmingham. It is really special for us to be able to field strong teams in the 3×3 basketball’s Commonwealth Games debut.
“Set against the backdrop of the stunning Smithfield arena in Birmingham, the 3×3 basketball really will be a fantastic competition and I have no doubt there will be lots of travelling support for our players.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland has today announced that the Commonwealth Games Federation has granted Team Scotland’s gymnastics squad further places for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham whilst an additional athlete has also been selected for wrestling.
Cara Kennedy, Eilidh Gorrell and Emily Bremner will compete in artistic gymnastics, taking the total number of Team Scotland gymnasts in the West Midlands later this month to ten. Wrestler Kieran Malone has been selected to compete in the 86kg category, taking that squad to six.
Birmingham will be Cara’s third Games, with the Paisley gymnast making all-around and vault finals at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and playing a key part in securing the team’s fifth place finish in her hometown in 2014.
Talking about her selection, Cara said, “It is really good to be selected for Team Scotland for a third time and I am really looking forward to the Games in Birmingham. The last four years have been really challenging for me with injury and Covid disrupting training, and I didn’t know if I was going to make the selection standards.”
After a tough few years, making the Scottish team for Birmingham 2022 and a third Games has been a big focus for the City of Glasgow gymnast, “It was sheer determination that made me think, ‘you’ve got more to give’. I had personal targets I wanted to achieve and if I could achieve them, then another Games was not out of the question. I’ve become a role model as I’ve got older, showing young gymnasts you can keep going past the age of 16 and do not have to stop.”
Fellow gymnast Emily Bremner has also had injury challenges over the last few years, but the Dundee-based gymnast fought back to fitness at the end of 2021 when she became the first home-based Scottish Women’s Artistic Gymnast to win the title of All Around Champion at the Northern European Championships in November.
Talking about her selection for her first Commonwealth Games in front of a packed Birmingham crowd, Emily said, “I am so happy! When Sam (Hendrikson, head of performance) phoned me and asked if I was ready to go to Birmingham, I said yes! It was a nice surprise as I was becoming less hopeful as time went on.
“It has been a dream for so long to be part of Team Scotland. Sam was in the gym when I was 12 or 13 and she asked me what I wanted to do and I said go to the Commonwealth Games. I watched the 2014 Games in Glasgow. It was so exciting, and it was after that I decided this is what I want to do.
“My family are super supportive and so happy. My mum, dad and little sister have been on the journey emotionally with me over the years and it’s paid off for them too. They’ve got tickets through the ballot so they will be in Birmingham watching me live.”
Eilidh Gorrell from Glasgow will join Cara and Emily in the artistic competition. Talking of her selection Eilidh said, “I feel amazing, I’m so happy. At first I was in shock and almost didn’t believe it. It is starting to sink in now. My mum and dad are so happy for me and they can’t believe either. The Commonwealth Games have been a big goal of mine since I started to get better in gymnastics when I was around 10 or 11. I am so excited for the Games. I just want to enjoy and embrace the experience and use this as a good start to my career.”
From the sprung floor to the wrestling mat, for Glasgow-based wrestler Kieran Malone being selected for his first Commonwealth Games is a dream come true. Kieran, who has competed in countless national and international competitions is current Scottish champion and UK Home Nations and English medallist in the 86kg category.
Commenting on his selection he said, “It’s a privilege to represent Scotland in Birmingham. It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to compete for Scotland at the Games, since I went to watch the Manchester Games in 2002 as a young kid. I’m really looking forward to showcasing my skills.”
Speaking about Cara, Eilidh, Emily and Kieran’s selections, Team Scotland Chef de Mission Elinor Middlemiss said: “I am really pleased that Cara, Emily, Eilidh and Kieran have secured their spots at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
“It is always a welcome surprise when we are offered additional places to the Games by the Commonwealth Games Federation. Selection processes are tough on athletes, especially on those who narrowly miss out. Being able to expand our team and make further selections is always a nice feeling and I am delighted for all the athletes involved. I am looking forward to watching them compete this summer.”
Team Scotland has also confirmed today that Hazel MacLeod has been selected to guide Alison Peasgood in the Para Triathlon. Originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Hazel now lives in Edinburgh.
A former Scottish national age group swimming champion and rower for Durham University, Hazel was selected as a reserve for the Scottish Commonwealth Games Triathlon Team in 2014.
At Rio 2016 she made her Paralympic debut as a guide for Alison, with the pair winning silver in the women’s PT5 event. Hazel was guide for Melissa Reid at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and the duo finished in seventh place.
Team Scotland has today announced a 33-strong athletics team to compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The announcement confirms the selection of a further 22 athletes to the squad following the pre-selection of six athletes, including Olympic medallists Laura Muir and Josh Kerr, last year and five para-athletes including Paralympic medallist Samantha Kinghorn MBE last month.
The team reflects a strong Scottish presence in global athletics and includes 11 athletes set to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the upcoming World Championships in Eugene later this month.
Those added to the team include Guy Learmonth (800m), Zoey Clark (400m and 4x400m Relay), David Smith (High Jump) and hammer throwers Chris Bennett and Mark Dry, who will all compete in their third Games, alongside pre-selected Jake Wightman (800m and 1500m) and Eilish McColgan (5,000m and 10,000m).
There’s a strong sprints presence for the first time in many years with places for Alisha Rees and Adam Thomas at 100m, Beth Dobbin in the 200m and Heather Paton in the 100m Hurdles.
Team Scotland will also field both 4x400m and 4x100m women’s relay teams with Loughborough-based Carys McAulay and Jill Cherry included specifically for the 4x400m alongside Zoey Clark, Nicole Yeargin and Beth Dobbin. Heather Paton, Rebecca Matheson, Sarah Malone and Taylah Spence will make-up a strong 4x100m team alongside Alisha Rees.
Wheelchair racer Sean Frame will compete in the marathon on Saturday 30 July to kick-start the athletics action – with the track and field sessions opening on the morning of Tuesday 2 August at the redeveloped Alexander Stadium.
Unfortunately Steph Davis, who finished top half of the women’s marathon in Tokyo last year and was selected for Birmingham earlier this year, has had to withdraw from the Games due to a foot injury.
Commenting on her selection, Olympic 1,500m silver medallist Laura Muir said ‘I’ve seen my own situation around Birmingham described as ‘unfinished business’ and I have to agree with that,’ she said.
“I was very young at Glasgow 2014 but it still didn’t go the way I had hoped in that 1500m final at Hampden. Four years later, as Gold Coast 2018 came around, I was in the very last stages of completing my degree at University and the final exams clashed with the Commonwealths.
“So that has been in my mind for some time and I’d dearly love to win a medal for Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022. Getting on that podium wearing the Scotland vest is very much a goal.
“My family will be here and there’s a large contingent making travel plans. When you get that family support in the stadium it can mean so much. It’s not Glasgow and it’s not Scotland but it is as close as you can get, really, so I am really looking forward to having that backing in the Alexander Stadium.”
Edinburgh 100m sprint star Alisha Rees is looking forward to taking to the track at Alexander Stadium this summer after narrowly missing out on selection for Gold Coast four years ago. “Being selected to represent Scotland has been my main aim this season. I cannot wait to go out there and represent in Birmingham as I think it is going to be a really special occasion.
“I have come full circle. Ever since I went to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in 2015, it’s meant there has been a big build-up for me to the Commonwealth Games and I am really happy I have managed to achieve selection. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and showing everyone what I’ve got.”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss said “A huge congratulations to all the track and field athletes selected to compete in Birmingham this summer. It is great to see such a strong team travelling to the Games – a team which has a real mix of strength, depth and experience.
“Scottish athletics is strong on the world stage at the minute and I am delighted that 11 of the team have been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Eugene at the World Championships later this month. I have no doubt that it will set the stage perfectly for what is going to a be an electric competition in Birmingham.”
The Team Scotland athletics squad for Birmingham is led by Team Manager Julie Mollison and Head Coach Mark Pollard. “We’re delighted with the Team Scotland selection announcement and 33 athletes now confirmed for Birmingham 2022,’ said Mark.
“Being picked for Scotland for a Commonwealth Games is always an exciting moment and we congratulate athletes, their coaches and their families on selection. We acknowledge, too, the huge role played by numerous Scottish clubs in the development of these athletes over a number of years.
“It bears repetition on these occasions that success in athletics isn’t achieved overnight or anything like it. In so many cases, this is the culmination of many years of hard work, good coaching and development work by clubs along the pathway.”
Full Athletics Squad
Chris Bennett – Hammer
Andy Butchart – 5,000m and 10,000m
Zoey Clark – 400m and 4x400m Relay
Jill Cherry – 4x400m Relay
Beth Dobbin – 200m and 4x400m Relay
Mark Dry – Hammer
Sean Frame – T54 Marathon
Neil Gourley – 1,500m and 5,000m
Will Grimsey – High Jump
Sarah Inglis – 5000m and 10000m
Josh Kerr – 1500m
Samantha Kinghorn MBE – T54 1500m
Kirsty Law – Discus
Guy Learmonth – 800m
Rebecca Matheson – 4x100m Relay
Sarah Malone – 4x100m Relay
Carys McAulay – 4x400m
Eilish McColgan – 5000m and 10000m
Laura Muir – 800m and 1500m
Ross Paterson – T38 100m
Heather Paton – 100m Hurdles and 4x100m Relay
Nick Percy – Discus
Jemma Reekie – 800m and 1500m
Alisha Rees – 100m and 4x100m Relay
Jenny Selman – 800m
David Smith – High Jump
Taylah Spence – 4x100m Relay
Adam Thomas -100m
Alexander Thomson – T38 100m
Eloise Walker – 5000m
Jake Wightman – 800m and 1500m
Melanie Woods – T54 1500m
Nicole Yeargin – 400m and 4x400m Relay
Ali Fielding and Jonny Wale have been added to Team Scotland ahead of next month’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Combined with our initial squad announcement last month, this takes the complement of Scottish riders to 22, with an exciting combination of youth and experience flying the Saltire in the Midlands.
Jonny Wale returns after debuting in Gold Coast 2018, having made the selection criteria in January at the Commonwealth Games Qualifier in Glasgow and the better that feat at the UCI Track Nations Cup in April, and will be a formidable force in the timed track events such as the Individual Pursuit.
The Edinburgh-born rider recently claimed the gold medal at the British Track Championships the Men’s Kilometre with stunning performance and will look to replicate that form at the Birmingham Games.
Track Sprinter Ali Fielding will be making his debut at the Commonwealth Games – the Scot will be accompanied by Jack Carlin in the individual men’s sprint events.
Fielding, who is currently competing for Great Britain at the T-Town US GP in Pennsylvania, has been a strong part of the British Team Sprint squad in recent months, competing at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Glasgow – as part of the squad that finished fifth.
On being selected for Team Scotland, Fielding said:
“I’m very excited to compete and be part of the Scottish team for my first Commonwealth Games. I feel a great honour and privilege to be a part of this team and represent the nation.
“I can’t wait to put the Scotland kit on and start racing to do everyone proud.”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission Elinor Middlemiss said:
“Congratulations to Ali and Jonny on their selection to the team – they are strong additions to an already impressive Cycling line-up.
“There is a nice blend of youth and experience across the cyclists selected, and am I sure they will be determined to perform well for their country.
“We look forward to formally welcoming them into Team Scotland as we enter our final preparation phase before the Games begin.”
On the award of the two additional places, Head of Performance and Coaching at Scottish Cycling David Somerville said:
“With a strong squad of 22 athletes, I have every confidence that the calibre and character of each of our athletes will be evident at the Games”
“We are very pleased to be able to announce Ali and Jonny as part of the squad for next month’s Games.
“The two riders have worked incredibly hard recently and will be great assets to the squad and I look forward to seeing them compete with passion, pride and professionalism in Birmingham.”
Team Scotland cycling team:
Ali Fielding
Jonny Wale
Charlie Aldridge
John Archibald
Katie Archibald
Lauren Bell
Jack Carlin
Libby Clegg
Finn Crockett
Neah Evans
Neil Fachie
Sean Flynn
Kyle Gordon
Jenny Holl (pilot)
Aileen McGlynn
Iona Moir
Anna Shackley
Isla Short
Lusia Steele
Lewis Stewart (pilot)
Mark Stewart
Ellie Stone (pilot)