Built on Community, Bound for Glasgow

As the iconic King’s Baton made its entry into Cardiff, the countdown to Glasgow 2026 truly began for Welsh sport.

Led by Chef de Mission Gethin Jones, the event showcased the 114 athletes representing Team Wales in Glasgow; a squad that beautifully balances raw talent and elite experience, including 22 para-athletes and 14 returning medallists. As the baton now winds its way toward Scotland, these athletes carry not just a message from the King, but the hopes of a nation eager to build on its rich Commonwealth legacy.

In a fresh approach for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, each of the competing nations has been gifted its own sustainable wooden baton, each engraved with a single, unique word taken from the King's official message. For Wales, that word is "Community", a choice that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Welsh leg of the relay.

Sprinting sensation Jeremiah Azu, the fastest Welshman in history and an Olympic bronze medallist, believes the team's underdog status is its greatest strength.

“We are never really seen as a threat,” Azu noted.

“So, when we step out there, we go out there as a team and a community, and that's going to be super special as a Welsh nation.”

For Azu, competing in Glasgow is no longer just about national pride, it is about building a legacy for the next generation and making his son proud. Looking ahead to the electric atmosphere of the Commonwealth Games, Azu shared how much this new chapter will fuel his drive.

“Looking up into the stands and seeing my son... if I wasn't motivated before, I definitely am now.”

Cardiff-born boxer Owain Harris-Allan, who is ready to step back into the ring for his second consecutive Commonwealth Games, will be going to Glasgow aiming for nothing short of a gold medal.

“To be picked for my second Commonwealth Games is special and the buzz is unbelievable.”

Harris-Allan is fiercely determined not to let a recent frustrating injury distract from his golden ambitions. Rather than viewing time outside the ring as the end of the road, he has used the recovery period to sharpen his mental edge.

“Setbacks are meant to happen. You take lessons, not losses.”

As he prepares to take the stage, his focus remains entirely on the work done behind closed doors, driven by personal morals that leave no room for excuses.

“Train hard, fight easy... you only get out what you put in.”

With his mindset firmly locked in and his setbacks put behind him, Harris-Allan is ready to step into the ring and finish the job he started.

Making an extraordinary return to the track is former Team GB Olympian and track cyclist Ciara Oliva. Having previously represented Wales at two Commonwealth Games, she happily stepped away from elite competition in 2018 to focus on a new chapter, becoming a mother of three. However, she later decided that her journey wasn’t over, and began balancing intense elite training with family life. Securing her spot on the team alongside her husband, Lewis, represents a remarkable personal triumph. Reflecting on her selection for Glasgow, she shared just how emotional the achievement has been.

“This has really meant the world to me... this has been such a journey and my biggest sporting achievement ever.”

When Team Wales arrives in Glasgow, they will carry more than just the collective talent of a united squad of athletes and coaches. Travelling right alongside them will be the pride of an entire nation, backing them every single step of the way.

Gethin Jones added: “From the hills to the ocean and everything in between, we cannot wait to see you shine in Glasgow.”

So far, a total of 13 athletes, one umpire and one judge are from Cardiff Met – with the netball and wheelchair basketball teams yet to be announced:

Athletics: Jeremiah Azu, Ellie Bowen, Aled Sion Davies, Adelle Nicholl, Fumni Oduwaiye, Harrison Walsh

Boxing: Rosie Eccles, Daniel Pitt

Gymnastics: Daniel Winterbourne

Gymnastics judge: Liz Lewis (staff)

Judo: Ashleigh Barnikel, Holly Devall

Netball umpire: Ali Harrison

Swimming: Jack Knight

Weightlifting: Nikole Roberts