Cardiff Met SCRAM Student Dan Pitt Ready to Carry Wales and the Archers into Glasgow 2026

Current Cardiff Met student Dan Pitt says the support of the University has helped him balance life as a full-time athlete and student as he prepares to represent Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Welsh boxer was among the Team Wales athletes attending Kitting Out at the ICC in Newport, where athletes collected their official kit, took part in media activity and continued their final preparations ahead of the Games. For Pitt, the day brought another proud reminder of what it means to represent Wales on the Commonwealth stage.

“I think it’s all really nice,” said Pitt. “I like the dragon on the back. A Cardiff Met student made that, so obviously we’re showing some talent there. A big thank you to that person.”

The official Team Wales kit, designed by Cardiff Met student Jake Rowley, has been a major talking point throughout Kitting Out. For Pitt, the use of the dragon gives the kit a powerful Welsh identity and makes it something he will wear with pride in Glasgow.

“Wales’ biggest asset is really the dragon on the flag, so it makes sense to use it,” he said. “I think it looks amazing. It really makes the kit stand out, and I’ll be proud walking around with it on my back around Glasgow.”

Pitt’s own journey to the Games has been shaped by the challenge of combining elite boxing with university life. Now heading into his third year studying BSc Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage, known as SCRAM, at Cardiff Met, he said the University’s support has been key throughout his preparations.

“Cardiff Met have been brilliant,” he said. “I’m a student myself studying SCRAM, going into my third year now. Luckily, this has landed in the summer period, so I’ve got lots of time to train and focus on the Commonwealth Games.

“Obviously, I’ve been training for the past two years whilst at university, and Cardiff Met have been brilliant. They’ve given me extensions when I need them. Being a full-time athlete and student is quite challenging, but I’ve had the support all the way.”

That support has added another layer of pride to his Team Wales selection. Pitt said he feels part of two teams heading into Glasgow: the national squad and the Cardiff Met sporting community.

“As they’re a sport university, it’s great to be a part of Team Wales, but at the same time I’m a part of Team Cardiff Met, and I’m an Archer, so it makes the experience even more special,” he added.

With the Games now close, Pitt reflected on how quickly the countdown has moved from months away to the final stages of preparation. After travelling across Europe for competitions and returning from a demanding training camp in Tenerife, he believes the squad are in strong shape.

“The time’s flown,” he said. “We’ve put in the hard work. We’ve been all across Europe getting the experience needed at tournaments and competitions. Just a couple of days ago, we got back from a nine-day gruelling camp in Tenerife, where we’ve all been pushed to our limits.

“I think every single one of us is the fittest we’ve ever been. We’re just sharpening and honing our skills now over the next couple of weeks, ready for the big performance.”

As Pitt prepares for Glasgow 2026, his story is another strong example of Cardiff Met’s impact within Team Wales, combining student support, sporting ambition and the pride of competing as both a Welsh athlete and an Archer.