The Commonwealth Games always bring something a little different. While British athletes come together as Team GB at the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games see England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland competing separately. That creates fierce rivalries, passionate home support and plenty of opportunities for athletes to become household names in their own right.
Although the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature a reduced programme of 10 sports, there will still be no shortage of world-class competition. Olympic champions, world medallists and exciting young stars from across the Home Nations will all be aiming to make their mark.
Here are some of the names most likely to be celebrating with a medal around their neck.
England
Adam Peaty (Swimming)
When it comes to British swimming, Adam Peaty needs little introduction. The breaststroke specialist has dominated his event for the best part of a decade, collecting Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles along the way.
If he’s at his best in Glasgow, few would bet against him adding another Commonwealth gold to an already remarkable career. His explosive starts and powerful finishes continue to make him one of the toughest swimmers in the world to beat.
Emma Finucane (Track Cycling)
Emma Finucane has quickly become one of the brightest stars in British cycling. After announcing herself on the international stage with world and Olympic success, she heads into the Commonwealth Games as one of England’s biggest medal hopes.
With several sprint events on the schedule, don’t be surprised if she leaves Glasgow with more than one medal.
Max Whitlock (Artistic Gymnastics)
Max Whitlock has spent years setting the standard in men’s gymnastics. The Olympic champion has built a reputation for delivering when it matters most, particularly on the pommel horse.
Experience counts for plenty at major championships, and Whitlock has more than most. If he competes in Glasgow, he’ll once again be among the favourites for gold.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Athletics)
Few athletes have shown the resilience of Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Injuries have interrupted her career more than once, but she’s repeatedly fought her way back to the top of world athletics.
If she’s fully fit, she’ll be one of England’s standout contenders and one of the biggest attractions on the athletics programme.
Scotland
Josh Kerr (Athletics)
Competing at a home Commonwealth Games doesn’t happen very often, and Josh Kerr will have thousands of Scottish fans behind him if he lines up in Glasgow.
As one of the world’s leading middle-distance runners, Kerr has already proved he belongs at the very highest level. The atmosphere inside the stadium could give him an extra edge as he chases Commonwealth gold.
Duncan Scott (Swimming)
No Scottish athlete has won more Commonwealth medals than Duncan Scott, and there’s every chance he’ll add to that tally in Glasgow.
His versatility across freestyle and medley events makes him a constant threat, while his consistency on the biggest stage has become one of his greatest strengths.
Laura Muir (Athletics)
Laura Muir has thrilled Scottish crowds throughout her career, and a home Games offers another opportunity to create a special moment.
One of Britain’s finest middle-distance runners, she’ll be hoping the home support can help drive her towards another major championship medal.
Samantha Kinghorn (Para Athletics)
Samantha Kinghorn has established herself as one of Scotland’s leading Para athletes through years of hard work and consistent performances.
With the Commonwealth Games continuing to showcase Para sport alongside the main programme, she’ll be aiming to give the home crowd plenty to celebrate.
Wales
Emma Finucane (Track Cycling)
Emma Finucane may be one of Britain’s biggest stars, but she’s also Wales’ leading medal hope heading into Glasgow.
Her speed in the sprint events has already earned her world and Olympic success, and she’ll arrive full of confidence. With multiple events to compete in, she has every chance of becoming one of Wales’ most successful athletes at the Games.
Lauren Bell (Track Cycling)
Lauren Bell has quietly established herself as one of the country’s top sprint cyclists. Strong performances over recent seasons have shown she has the ability to challenge the world’s best, making her another athlete capable of stepping onto the podium.
Northern Ireland
Rhys McClenaghan (Artistic Gymnastics)
Rhys McClenaghan has become one of the finest pommel horse specialists in the world, earning Olympic glory as well as Commonwealth success.
Whenever he competes, he’s expected to challenge for gold, and Glasgow should be no different. Northern Ireland will be looking to him to lead their medal charge once again.
Ewan McAteer (Artistic Gymnastics)
Ewan McAteer continues to grow into one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting gymnasts. Having already impressed on the Commonwealth stage, he’ll be hoping to take another step forward with strong performances in both the team and individual competitions.
Plenty to Look Forward To
Australia will once again arrive as one of the strongest nations, but the Home Nations have every reason to believe they can enjoy another successful Commonwealth Games.
England boasts proven champions across several sports, Scotland has the advantage of competing on home soil, Wales has genuine gold medal contenders in cycling, and Northern Ireland can rely on one of the world’s very best gymnasts to lead from the front.
From thrilling races in the pool to dramatic finishes on the track and breathtaking routines in the gym, Glasgow 2026 promises plenty of unforgettable moments. For sports fans across the UK, there will be no shortage of athletes worth getting behind as the battle for Commonwealth medals begins.
