The 23rd Commonwealth Games, set to begin in Glasgow, will challenge Welsh athletes as they compete in 10 sports across more than 10 days of action. Wales will send 114 athletes to represent their country, with hopes of matching or surpassing the success they achieved at the 2018 Games in the Gold Coast, where they collected 36 medals, including 10 golds. This year’s event, now hosted in Scotland after a change in venue due to a withdrawn bid from Vancouver, will feature a wide range of sports, from athletics to judo and cycling.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at the Hydro Arena, marking the official start of the Games. Competition begins on Friday, 24 July, with an extra day, known as 'day zero,' added to the schedule to meet the surge in demand for bowls and para bowls events. This Games, though slightly scaled back from initial plans, still represents a significant opportunity for Welsh athletes to prove themselves on the international stage.
Key medal contenders for Wales
Cyclist Emma Finucane, a two-time bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, enters this year's event with a strong track record. She has since collected 16 medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. Now a gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Finucane will compete in the keirin, sprint, and team sprint events starting on 30 July. Her performance will be a critical focus for Wales' hopes in track cycling.
Swimmer Matt Richards, just 19 years old, is determined to claim his first major medal after finishing fourth four times in the 2022 Games. His recent progress and determination suggest he might finally break through at this year's Games. Gymnast Ruby Evans, a world silver medalist and British all-around champion, is also expected to make an impact, particularly in the team event, all-around, and floor exercise competitions.
Team captain Olivia Breen remains one of Wales' top medal prospects in para athletics. She has won T38 long jump and T38 100m gold medals at previous Games. Another key athlete is boxer Rosie Eccles, who will compete in the women’s light-middleweight category. As the flag bearer at the opening ceremony, Eccles is also expected to defend her title, marking it as her final Games.
Stars of the future shine
One name to watch in this year's Games is Theodora Taylor, a 17-year-old swimmer from Torfaen. She recently earned a silver at the GB Swimming Championships in the 50m freestyle, which led to her selection for next month’s European Aquatics Championships. With her ability to compete in multiple events, including relays, Taylor could make a strong impression at the Games. Natalie Powell, a former world number one and Commonwealth gold medalist in judo, has praised Taylor as one of the most talented juniors to come through the Welsh system.
Another rising star is 18-year-old track cyclist Ioan Hepburn, who overcame a severe accident at age 13 when he lost a kidney during a downhill race. Initially unsure about transitioning from mountain biking to track cycling, Hepburn was discovered at an agricultural fair in Usk, where he scored the highest on a Watt bike. After training at Newport’s Velodrome, he went on to win a Junior World Championship at age 17, showing promise as a future champion.
Wales’ best Games ever
Wales has competed in every Commonwealth Games since their introduction in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Their most successful performance came at the 2018 Games in the Gold Coast, where they earned 36 medals, including 10 golds, 12 silvers, and 14 bronzes. Now, the Glasgow Games will test whether the current generation of Welsh athletes can match or even exceed that historic achievement. The competition against 73 other nations will be tough, but with a mix of experienced champions and emerging stars, Wales still has a chance to shine.