An impressive cycling line-up has been selected to represent Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which get underway in less than 50 days’ time.
Thirteen cyclists join the pre-selected quartet of Lauren Bell, Mark Stewart, Neil Fachie MBE and Fin Graham, with the newly announced cohort spearheaded by Olympic medallist and twice World champion Neah Evans.
The first Scottish cyclist to win three medals at a single Commonwealth Games, Evans will be looking to add to her Commonwealth Games haul of three silver and two bronze and a golden home Games in the velodrome where she first got on a track bike following Glasgow 2014.
She is joined by double-Birmingham 2022 medallist Ellie Stone, who makes the move from para cycling pilot for Aileen McGlynn four years ago to the sprint events in Glasgow, and her Birmingham teammate Iona Moir, World Championship silver medallist in 2025 as part of the GB Team Sprint.
A further ten athletes make their Commonwealth debut including four-time World Junior champion Erin Boothman, 2026 European gold medallist Kate Richardson and Michael Gill, a former age-group World Champion in Acrobatic Gymnastics and now twice a European medallist in the velodrome.
Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Elliott Rowe makes the step up to the senior team and another former Youth Games competitor is also named; Maddy Silcock completing the transition from athletics track at Bahamas 2027 to track cycling at Glasgow 2026.
Also named is Logan MacLean, who has fought back from sustaining a broken back in a crash in 2021 to win a medal on his World Cup debut this April and earn selection for his first Commonwealth Games.
Team Scotland’s Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss MBE added: “I am absolutely delighted to see such a strong cycling squad named to Team Scotland for a home Games this summer. It’s fantastic to see so many riders selected for their first Games, as well as welcoming back returning medallists.
“With under 50 days to go, Team Scotland is really taking shape and I’m looking forward to seeing them compete in front of a strong Scottish support in Glasgow.”
The Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling competition takes place from 30 July – 2 August at The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Tickets for Glasgow 2026 can be purchased at glasgow2026.com
SELECTED ATHLETES:
Cycling
Lauren Bell (pre-selected)
Mark Stewart (pre-selected)
Lewis Askey
Erin Boothman
Lyall Craig
Neah Evans
Michael Gill
Logan MacLean
Iona Moir
Kate Richardson
Elliott Rowe
Timothy Shoreman
Madeline Silcock
Ellie Stone
Para Cycling
Neil Fachie (pre-selected)
Fin Graham (pre-selected)
Aaron Pope (pilot)
Backstroker Jamie Ferguson has been added to Team Scotland’s swimming squad for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, completing the lineup in the pool for the host nation.
Jamie, who achieved the qualification standard in the 50m Backstroke at the recent Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London, will make his Commonwealth Games debut this summer, as part of a 33-strong Swimming and Para-Swimming squad.
Jamie, who trains at the University of Aberdeen under Head Coach Patrick Miley, is a member of the Scottish National Senior Team setup, alongside the country’s most talented swimmers.
Ferguson’s inclusion adds further strength in depth to Team Scotland’s swimming squad, which includes names such as Duncan Scott, Angharad Evans and Archie Goodburn.
Speaking after his selection was confirmed, Jamie said: “It’s something I’ve dreamt of my entire swimming career, to represent Scotland. I’m really proud of myself doing what I had to do to put my name in the hat. I just couldn’t believe it when I made the time in London and was so grateful that my mum and dad were there to watch as well.”
Swimming and Para Swimming take place at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre with competition running from 24 to 29 July. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.
Team Scotland Swimming:
Duncan Scott
Angharad Evans
Megan Barnes
Evie Davis
Dean Fearn
Jamie Ferguson
Scott Gibson
Archie Goodburn
Lucy Grieve
Luke Hornsey
Lucy Hope
Charlie Hutchison
Evan Jones
Stefan Krawiec
Evi Mackie
Keanna MacInnes
Sean McCann
Holly McGill
Joshua Mitchell
Anna Morgan
Jensen Norris
Ciara Schlosshan
Katie Shanahan
George Smith
Matthew Ward
Emma Wood
Photo credit: Morgan Harlow/Aquatics GB
When Team Scotland’s netball team takes to the court inside the Hydro at the Commonwealth Games this summer, Iona Christian hopes to be one of them, just as she was at Birmingham 2022 four years ago. This time, however, she’ll have extra support in the stands in the form of her two-year-old son Lawrie.
It was in the run-up to the Netball World Cup in 2023 that she found out she was expecting and, with the full support of the Netball Scotland medical team and coaches, she played her first World Cup in South Africa in the early stages of pregnancy, managing fatigue and morning sickness to step up for her country on court.
She made history as the first pregnant player to sign a Netball Super League contract when she signed with Strathclyde Sirens in 2024 and her drive to return to the sport she loves has been inspirational. She’s back playing in the Super League for Nottingham Forest and internationally for the Scottish Thistles and is working hard to make her second Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2026, the draw of a home Games being the icing on the cake.
Becoming a mum has changed many things, in her sport and in family life, but Iona is loving having the best of both worlds, with all of the challenges and benefits that come with it.
“Anybody who’s had a child knows that it’s life-changing in the best way as well as in some challenging ways as well,” she says.
“I always knew I didn’t want netball to stop me having a family and when I did fall pregnant, vice versa, I didn’t want having a family to stop me playing netball. I was a bit naïve about the change to your body that pregnancy and birth have and it’s definitely been tough getting back on court, but it’s also been rewarding as well.
“My priorities have changed, he comes first. My mindset has shifted since having Lawrie and that’s also had a positive impact on my netball, it’s made me a lot more relaxed. I think I’ve played some of the best netball in the last two years because my priorities have changed and I’ve been able to focus on having a bit of a better life balance.”
One part of that mindset shift has been balancing her performance needs with the realities of raising a small child, adjusting to not having control over many of the small things that used to seem crucial.
“Sleep deprivation is a big one,” she laughs.
“As an athlete you always get told how important sleep is and, when you have a child who wakes up in the middle of the night, that’s not going to happen. That took getting used to and still does. Lawrie’s quite a good sleeper, to be fair, but every now and then he decides to have a bit of a party in the middle of the night, so that can be fun.”
She’s played nearly ten seasons in the Super League, making her debut with Severn Stars while studying illustration at the University of Worcester – and if she’s not busy enough with netball and childcare, she also does some freelance design work on the side.
She spent three seasons with Wasps before a season with Manchester Thunder in 2023, the team where she started as a pathway player, and signing with Sirens in 2024. Now she’s back at the top level, playing with Nottingham Forest and is full of praise of the support she’s received both there and with the national side.
“Bringing Lawrie to that environment has been really special, seeing how the team at Forest and at Thistles have engaged with that and been so welcoming. These girls inspire me every day, so for him to be around them and have good role models has been really important.”
Iona is hoping all of that experience will land her a place on Team Scotland for Glasgow 2026 and to have all those who have supported her there as part of a loud home crowd.
“It would mean a lot to represent Scotland at these Commonwealth Games. My dad grew up in Glasgow and every time I’ve represented Thistles, seeing my family in the crowd and that moment singing the national anthem is very, very special.
“The Commonwealth Games is a massive competition for netball; it’s one of the biggest events on the netball calendar. So, not just having a Games but having a home Games in Glasgow is a really big deal.
“The Hydro is a fantastic venue, I’ve not played there before but I’m hoping I get that opportunity. To fill it with so many Scottish fans is going to be very exciting and Scottish fans always bring the noise, so the atmosphere in there is going to be incredible.”
If she makes the team, Glasgow 2026 will look very different from Birmingham 2022 for Iona, but she’s welcoming the change and playing her best netball.
“To have Lawrie there with my family and friends would be brilliant, I’ve been surrounded by such supportive people. I don’t think your body ever quite goes back to how it was before after having a baby, but I’m a mum now and I’m embracing the new me. It’s part of who I am.”
Nine artistic gymnasts have been selected for Team Scotland for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with just under two months to go until the Opening Ceremony.
Gold Coast 2018 bronze medallist Hamish Carter returns for a third Games and is joined by Birmingham 2022 teammates Cameron Lynn and Pavel Karnejenko. The men’s team is completed by 2026 Scottish All-Around champion Reuben Ward and 2026 British Universities All-Around champion Connor Sullivan.
Reuben, a double bronze medallist at the 2022 European Junior Championships, has been in fantastic form, taking a stunning gold on Pommel Horse at the recent British Championships.
Excited at selection for his first Commonwealth Games, he said: “To get that phone call saying you’re going to the Games was absolutely amazing. Now being around the team, it’s feeling real: getting the kit, having interviews, it’s really amazing and I’m so excited to get there.”
The women’s team sees all four gymnasts compete at this level for the first time. This year’s Scottish all-around champion Ellee Cheetham is joined by 2025 champion Crystelle Lake, City of Glasgow’s Ava MacFarlane, and Lottie Smith, who won All-Around bronze at last year’s Northern European Championships.
Ellee said: “I’m overjoyed. That it’s here for a start, that it’s in a nation that I’ve always been a part of and that my family are so on board. They’ve been waiting to order tickets since last year! When I mentioned going back to gymnastics they said, ‘so when are we ordering tickets’ and I said ‘whoa, I’m not there yet’.
“I was going to go and watch regardless, but now I’m going. I’m going to be the one waving to everybody in an Opening Ceremony. That’s something else.”
Elinor Middlemiss MBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “We’re delighted to announce our gymnastics team, which has a fantastic blend of experience and those competing for Team Scotland for the first time. Glasgow 2026 is a great opportunity to show what they can do on the big stage, and I’m confident all nine gymnasts will perform to their best, buoyed by an enthusiastic home support.”
The Artistic Gymnastics competition takes place from 24 – 28 July at The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena. Tickets for the event can be purchased at glasgow2026.com
SELECTED ATHLETES:
Gymnastics (9)
Hamish Carter
Ellee Cheetham
Pavel Karnejenko
Crystelle Lake
Cameron Lynn
Ava MacFarlane
Lottie Smith
Connor Sullivan
Reuben Ward
Four years ago gymnast Crystelle Lake was on the brink of realising her dream of competing at the Commonwealth Games when it was snatched away at the last minute. Nominated for selection for Team Scotland she had to withdraw from Birmingham 2022 with an ankle injury and underwent surgery just a month before the Games began.
It was a set back that was tough to take, but she’s channelled everything into coming back stronger and better than ever. With selection just around the corner, she’s been focused on putting herself back in the frame for a home Games at Glasgow 2026.
Daughter of Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductee Derek Johnstone, who won three league titles, five Scottish Cups, five League Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup with Rangers in the 1970s and 80s, it was her mum June who got her into gymnastics at a young age and both have supported her throughout her career.
With a recent relocation from Glasgow to train in Shropshire, she’s also called on her dad’s experience of striking out on his own as a young player as she settles into the move away from home. Now training at Park Wrekin Gymnastics Club under Brett Ince and Christine Still, coaches to gymnasts such as Olympic medallist Alice Kinsella, she’s relishing training alongside those achieving at the top level.
She’s come a long way since the highs and lows of 2022 and looking back she’s reflective and philosophical about the impact of her injury.
“It was obviously hard to come back from,” she says. “I’m lucky I’ve got a great support network around me. I’ve got my family, I’ve got sport psychologists and my coaches. Just having a good team around you to pick you back up when those disappointments happen is a great thing.
“It was really hard, especially being that close to going and then having to pull out. Sitting at home watching on TV, thinking I could have been there. But I think it was also important for my career because it sparked that motivation to go for the next one. Although it was tough, if it hadn’t happened, I don’t know if I’d be at the level I’m at now.”
The resilience and hard work is paying off with a stellar year in 2025. Crowned Scottish All-Around Champion in March, she was then selected for the GB team at the World University Games in Germany where she took top 10 finishes in both the Individual All-Around and Team competition. She capped the year with yet another personal best at a closed selection event in November.
“It was such a great year, I couldn’t ask for much more. The World University Games was my first time representing GB so that was really special, because that had been a big goal of mine for a long time. It was the most amazing experience and it was a multi-sport event as well, so that will be quite similar to the Commonwealth Games. To get experience like that is so important.”
She’s hoping 2026 will prove to be even better and that she’ll finally get the chance to march out in a Team Scotland leotard at the Commonwealth Games. Memories of Glasgow 2014 are also fuelling excitement at the prospect of realising that dream.
“The Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle event for representing Scotland. It’s something I’ve always wated to do and obviously the last Games was quite a disappointment for me. The fact that I’m in contention for this one and it’s going to be in Glasgow is extra special.
“I’d love to say that if I had clean performances I’d be in with a chance of a medal, but I do just want to soak up the whole experience as well. We never thought we were going to get another Games in Glasgow and the fact that we did is just amazing.
“I went to watch Glasgow 2014 as a fan. I was only 10 at the time and I remember the Scotland team being lined up outside and I was too shy to go and say hello to them. It’s crazy that that could now be me on that team. Glasgow crowds are always amazing, and I remember it from 2014. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Gymnastics will take place at The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome & Arena with competition running from 24 July to 28 July. Register for the final ticket drop on 2 June to see Team Scotland compete here.
With two months to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the full complement of swimmers set to represent Team Scotland has been revealed.
23 swimmers join the pre-selected Duncan Scott and Angharad Evans on Team Scotland, in addition to seven para-swimmers previously announced.
Eight of the athletes have previously competed at a Commonwealth Games including Birmingham 2022 medallists Katie Shanahan and Evan Jones, who return for their second Games. Evan took two bronze medals four years ago in the 4x100m Medley and 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay events, while Katie was also a double bronze medallist in the 400m Individual Medley and 200m Backstroke. She went on to take 5th place in the latter on her Olympic debut at Paris 2024.
Two more Paris 2024 Olympians are named, as double European U23 champion Keanna MacInnes returns for a third Commonwealth Games and freestyle specialist Lucy Hope is back for her fourth, having first represented Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014 as a 17-year-old.
Five swimmers from Team Scotland’s most recent Commonwealth Youth Games team make the step up to senior level, including Youth Games flagbearer and silver medallist Stefan Krawiec, Scotland’s most successful Youth Games athlete ever Matthew Ward, who brought home four gold and three silver from Trinbago 2023 and gold medallist Dean Fearn, who has since gone on to become a medallist at the World Junior Championships.
Holly McGill returns to Team Scotland after 5th place in the 200m Backstroke as a 16-year-old at Birmingham 2022 and two gold and a silver at Trinbago 2023, one of a select few athletes to have competed at a senior Games prior to Youth Games selection.
A total of 13 swimmers will make their Commonwealth Games debut including European U23 medallist Lucy Grieve, who experienced the Birmingham 2022 Games as part of Team Scotland’s Achieve programme. Butterfly specialist Ciara Schlosshan will have some family rivalry, with sister Leah competing for Team England, while also making her debut is Evi Mackie, the youngest in the squad having just turned 17.
Stefan Krawiec said: “It’s pretty surreal to be honest. Making the Games is one thing but for it to be in Glasgow is a different thing all together. I feel very honoured and privileged. A number of my Edinburgh teammates are also part of the team which makes it extra special.
“Being at Tollcross will be amazing. I won my first British medals in this pool, and it was my first big competition as a young athlete. I’ve got lots of great memories in this pool.
“I’ve been in that multi-sport environment before at the Youth Games, dealing with other athletes and being respectful of their timetables. Although I’m not sure the heat will be as much of an impact as it was in Trinidad!”
Katie Shanahan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be picked for my second Commonwealth Games. I’ve got a lot of family and friends coming to watch and it’s literally down the road from where I live so it just makes it even more special. It’s not long now with the final preparations and competitions coming up and the excitement is definitely building.
“Competing for Team Scotland is just so different, it only happens once every four years and there’s a different energy about it all. It’s different in a very good way and I’m looking forward to getting back in that environment in the prep camp and then in Glasgow. I just can’t wait to compete.”
Elinor Middlemiss MBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “I am absolutely delighted for the swimmers named in the Team Scotland squad for Glasgow this summer. There is a great mix of experienced athletes and Games first-timers, showing we have an extremely talented team and real strength in the squad.
“It’s also wonderful to see so many of our Youth Games team making the standard and having the opportunity to use that experience at a home Games. I wish everyone selected all the best in their preparations and look forward to seeing them in action in July.”
Swimming and Para Swimming take place at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre with competition running from 24 to 29 July. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.
You can learn more about the Glasgow 2026 Swimming programme here.
SELECTED ATHLETES:
Duncan Scott (pre-selected)
Angharad Evans (pre-selected)
Megan Barnes
Evie Davis
Dean Fearn
Scott Gibson
Archie Goodburn
Lucy Grieve
Luke Hornsey
Lucy Hope
Charlie Hutchison
Evan Jones
Stefan Krawiec
Evi Mackie
Keanna MacInnes
Sean McCann
Holly McGill
Joshua Mitchell
Anna Morgan
Jensen Norris
Ciara Schlosshan
Katie Shanahan
George Smith
Matthew Ward
Emma Wood
Allied Mobility, the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturer, has been announced as the Official Accessibility Partner for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and an Official Partner for Team Scotland, reinforcing the Games’ commitment to inclusivity.
Allied Mobility will provide a fleet of their wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for competing Para athletes when the Games return to the city from 23 July to 2 August, hosting 10 days of electric sporting events and the largest Para sport programme in Games history.
The Games will unfold across an eight-mile corridor, staged within four iconic venues where Allied Mobility will also support with funding for dedicated signage to highlight accessible routes to spectator areas.
Alongside Allied Mobility’s Official Accessibility Partnership, sister company Mobility Solutions will also be providing a range of wheelchairs and electric scooters for public use at the Games. Both are part of Glasgow-based employer, Allied Vehicles Group, which employs over 800 staff in the city and across Britain and Europe.
The partnership was announced at one of the Games’ venues, Scotstoun Stadium, with Allied Chairman, Gerry Facenna and Managing Director Peter Facenna as well as Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer at Glasgow 2026 who met Commonwealth silver medallist Sean Frame who is set to compete for Team Scotland in the T54 1500m.
Para Athlete, Sean Frame commented on the partnership: “Allied Mobility being involved in the Games and supporting disabled athletes is absolutely amazing and it will be invaluable to the athletes selected to compete. It will make it so much easier and less stressful not having to worry about transferring out of our day chairs as we have to do in normal cars. It will also make it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience when travelling to different venues during the Games.
“These are my second games representing Scotland and I am very excited and very proud to get to compete in my home city of Glasgow.”
Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer, added: “Accessibility is central to our venue planning for Glasgow 2026. We’re hosting the largest Para sport programme in the history of the Commonwealth Games and we need our operations to match that ambition.
“Para athletes and visitors across Glasgow will benefit from Allied Mobility’s partnership and expertise in accessibility, helping in part to make the Games inclusive.”
Allied Chairman Gerry Facenna added: “As a wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturer that has been helping to support the independence of people with disabilities for over three decades, we’re extending our commitment to providing accessible travel at this year’s Games, ensuring Para athletes and Commonwealth Teams can travel comfortably, confidently and with ease to competition venues.
“It’s also important that businesses like ours support Glasgow to host fantastic events like this in our great city.”
Register for the Opening Ceremony ticket draw and sign up to be the first to hear about the next ticket drop at www.glasgow2026.com
As Tens and Team Scotland announce their partnership for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, we hear from Steve Henry, Creative Director of the Scottish sunglasses brand about why they are excited to get involved…
- Can you tell us about Tens Sunglasses, how did it all begin?
Tens was started by 3 photographers and filmmakers while driving through the Highlands. They wanted to take the rich, warm colours we add to our photos and apply them to real life. And so, countless rounds of prototypes and a crowdfunding campaign later, Tens came to life. Our custom filter lenses immerse you in a world reminiscent of a distinct time, place or feeling – an experience you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Each lens has a unique feel inspired by some of our favourite photography and films.
- Why did Tens want to get involved with Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games?
Good question! Whilst Tens isn’t really a sports sunglasses brand, when you have these big events like the Commonwealth Games you just get that amazing buzz in the city, and we’re all about good vibes and making the world look better with our filters. I think that with sport you just get that energy in the city, and with it being our home Games and Team Scotland, we just couldn’t resist and wanted to be involved in any way we could.
- What are you going to be doing during the Games?
Obviously rooting for Team Scotland. But we’re going to be out and about capturing content in Glasgow. We’re going to be out there looking for the good vibes and looking for those good stories. In any Games you’ve always got Eddie the Eagle or Eric the Eel, we’re going to be trying to capture that and find people out just bringing the joy and generally seeing what’s going on around Glasgow during the Games.
- What sports are you most looking forward to?
I think all of them really. I love anything on the track and field but I think I’m really looking forward to track cycling! I’ve done a bit of cycling myself and it’s just got everything. I love the sprint races. You’ve got that tactical element that’s almost like chess on wheels so I just love watching that.
- What’s your own experience with sport?
I grew up playing rugby, which helped transform me from a big prop to a lean back row (and also transformed my nose to the side a little). I only played at amateur level, but I do hold a world record for playing in the most Northerly game of rugby ever played at the Magnetic North Pole which was part of an expedition organised by the charity Wooden Spoon. We trekked for 7 days then set up a full size pitch and posts for a 7s game and I got to experience what it’s like to try and tackle the former England 7s captain Ollie Phillips (unsurprisingly it didn’t go so well for me). After retiring from rugby I’ve also dabbled in a bit of endurance sports, ran a few ultramarathons including the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert and love getting out on my road bike.
- Which Team Scotland athlete would you most like to meet?
Oh that’s a tough one! There’s far too many to choose from but I’ve been doing a bit of swimming lately so I’m going to say Duncan Scott, just because he’s our most decorated athlete. But any of them really. Love all you guys.
- Why is sport important?
I think sport can inspire us all, even if we’re not going to compete and push ourselves to the limits like the athletes in the game. We’re all striving for something and when you watch the Games you get to see one of the purest forms of someone giving everything to chase their dreams. It’s great to watch and I’m always inspired afterwards to get out running or on my bike. These Games the para sports are being shown simultaneously, which I think is a really good thing and will make the Games even more inspiring. When you watch people deal with adversity with such strength and positivity it really reminds you that you’ve got no excuses to not put yourself out there and chase your own dreams.
- How do Tens lenses change the way you see sport?
When you wear Tens it’s hard not to be in a good mood, so if you’re wearing them in the stadium then it should make the whole day look better and more vibrant. Hopefully all the Team Scotland athletes wearing them will be in a positive mindset and we’ll see some great performances too.
- Tens is rooted in photography, how does that influence what you’re doing with Team Scotland?
Photography is the inspiration behind the brand and a huge passion of mine, so I’ll definitely be trying to capture some great shots of the athletes and all the joy and emotions that the Games bring.
- Why is capturing sport through photography so important?
The scoreboards and the timers will capture the results, but sport is about much more than that. The image, both still and moving, are what captures the essence of the Games. The raw emotion, the struggle, the joy and sadness, and that’s what makes these games so special.
11. How will it feel to have Team Scotland athletes wearing Tens Sunglasses at the Commonwealth Games?
We’re all going to be super proud. The Team Scotland athletes have been training for years in the run up to the Games and are at the peak of performance, so to see them in our sunnies is going to be pretty special.
With Glasgow set to host an unforgettable summer of sport, Tens will be out capturing the atmosphere, energy and moments around the Games along the way.
Follow @tens to keep up with team Tens throughout the Commonwealth Games and explore the full collection at tens.co
A football player from a young age, Aaron Cullen was a reluctant participant when his dad first took him along to Garnock Valley Boxing Club. But as he started winning, he fell in love with the sport and now has the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games top of his priority list.
His rise in the sport has seen Scottish and British titles, as well as international honours. In 2022, his final year in the youth age category, he reached the final of four international tournaments, winning two gold. That same year there was heartbreak as he was devastatingly denied a guaranteed medal at the World Youth Championships after a bout review reversed his winning result in the quarter-finals.
He’s taken both successes and knock-backs in his stride and has come a long way from the young boy who would rather have been kicking a football around with his friends.
“I hated it right enough, but my dad kept taking me back,” says Aaron with a laugh. “It was more like boxercise, it was just keeping fit and getting us introduced to it, but it all kicked off from there. My friend packed it in, but I just kept going and I started to get the love for it.”
As he moved up through the age groups that love of the sport and determination to keep winning paid dividends and Aaron’s current coach Neil Armstrong was impressed from the start by his drive and focus.
“As a wee boy he came through all the levels,” says Neil.
“Novice champion, intermediate champion and then eventually the open class. Right from junior, schoolboy, youth to elite level he’s always been dedicated, this has been his sport. He always stood out because he was so determined.
“He was one of the boys who had the skill, he had everything you need to be a boxer. He always listened, leaned, took it on board and came back better.”
That determination made it a special arrival onto the elite level, winning his first three tournaments at senior level and impressing enough to claim a place on the GB Boxing Squad alongside Birmingham 2022 gold medallists Reese Lynch and Sam Hickey.
Those are just some of the names he’s keen to emulate and, having been part of the Achieve programme for young athletes at Birmingham 2022, Aaron has his eyes firmly on a medal in Glasgow this summer. With Team Scotland boxers winning at least one medal at every Games since 1930, the only sport to do so, he’s hoping to become a Commonwealth Games medallist alongside greats of the sport like Dick McTaggart, Alex Arthur and Josh Taylor, and the aforementioned Lynch and Hickey.
“If they can achieve it, I can achieve it,” he says. “The Commonwealth Games is the big one, it’s what I want to win. It’s everything that comes with it, your name becomes so much more if you’ve got that gold medal, especially in boxing. All those eyes, all those people watching.”
He’s already tasted major championship success, with silver at the U23 European Championships and has relished the step up to senior level. From fighting without the headguard that is mandatory at youth levels, to taking on a whole new level of opposition he’s taken it all in his stride.
“I was nervous, it’s a whole different ballgame, just getting that headguard off, but I kind of hit the ground running. I was 18 and fighting other 18-year-olds, but at the elite level suddenly I’m fighting people who are 30, they’ve been in the game for so much longer and you can’t buy that experience.
“Because the Europeans is such a major championship, to get so far was overwhelming, but I’m still gutted not to get the gold. I don’t really think too much about the achievements, I just strive to get the next one. One day I’ll look back and I’ll be happy with myself but for now I’ll just keep going.”
The next few months will be busy with training and competition as he strives to seal his place on Team Scotland for Glasgow and a shot at the podium. When asked why he loves the sport so much, it’s simple.
“Winning,” he says, smiling. “The feeling you get when your hand’s raised, there’s no other feeling like it.”
Team Scotland continues its countdown to Glasgow 2026 by announcing eight selections in para athletics with Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Sean Frame returning and Paralympic champions Ben Sandilands and Owen Miller making their Commonwealth Games debuts.
Paris 2024 Paralympic champion and world record holder Ben Sandilands leads a trio of stars in the T20 1500m, all with medal potential. He’s joined by Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medallist Owen Miller and World finalist Steven Bryce, with all three men training together under coach Steve Doig.
Having announced his arrival on the global stage in 2023, taking the World title at just 19 years old, Sandilands delivered a stellar run in the French capital to break the world record as he took gold on his Paralympic debut. Glasgow 2026 will be his first Commonwealth Games.
Talking about his selection, Ben said: “I’m really excited. It’s my first Commonwealth Games and it’s been something I’ve been dreaming about. I’m excited to compete and want to win a medal, that would be incredible.”
Also making their Team Scotland debuts are Joanna Robertson, in the T54 1500m, and Steven Stone, in the T20 Long Jump.
Joanna said: “It’s such an honour to be able to put on the Scotland vest and represent my home country at the Commonwealth Games. Racing for Team Scotland it’s more like home, you’re racing with close friends, those who understand you. Even just racing on your home turf gives you that extra boost, it’s fantastic.”
Fresh from racing both Boston and London marathons within a week, silver medallist in the T54 Marathon in Birmingham, Sean Frame steps down in distance to take on the 1500m in Glasgow.
Melanie Woods and Alexander Thomson also return for a second Games. Racing both the 400m and 1500m this time round, Woods will be looking for a medal after a 4th place finish in the T54 1500m in Birmingham, while T38 100m runner Thomson finished 7th four years ago on his Commonwealth Games debut.
Team Scotland’s Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss MBE said: “It’s brilliant to welcome such a strong group of athletes to Team Scotland, from those with a proven track record on the global stage to those competing at a major multi sport event for the first time.
“With under three months to go, Team Scotland is really taking shape and I’m looking forward to seeing them compete in front of a strong Scottish support in Glasgow.”
Athletes selected:
Ben Sandilands – Men’s 1500m T20
Steven Bryce – Men’s 1500m T20
Owen Miller – Men’s 1500m T20
Sean Frame – Men’s 1500m T54
Steven Stone – Men’s Long Jump T20
Alexander Thomson – Men’s 100m T38
Joanna Robertson – Women’s 1500m T54
Melanie Woods – Women’s 1500m T54 and Women’s 400m T54
Team Scotland will compete in Athletics and Para Athletics at Scotstoun Stadium from 27 July – 1 August with tickets starting from £26 for adults and £20 for concessions. Tickets are available to purchase here.