Channel Island athletes ‘raring to go’ to Glasgow Games

Breaking: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games trimmed program sparks mixed reactions from Guernsey and Jersey

Glasgow is gearing up for a tightened Commonwealth Games in 2026 after Australia withdrew late in the planning, resulting in a scaled-back schedule and a narrower set of sports. Organizers say the event will still deliver high-quality competition, wiht venues and preparations advancing as teams map their medal hopes.

Guernsey and Jersey line up under a smaller program

Representatives from Guernsey and Jersey say their focus remains on achieving podium success, even as the 2026 lineup narrows. guernsey aims for medals in athletics, boxing, bowls, and swimming, while Jersey targets qualification in swimming, athletics, boxing, and possibly weightlifting, judo, or bowls.

Team selections are expected to be announced in spring, with both islands weighing their strongest contenders for a condensed schedule.

Past medal momentum shaping current hopes

Guernsey enters the Glasgow cycle on the back of Birmingham 2022 success, where Lucy Beere clinched silver in women’s singles bowls and Alastair Chalmers secured bronze in the 400m hurdles — the island’s first athletics medal. In Glasgow, Chalmers has stated his aim for gold, stressing his betterment over the past few years and his pride in competing for Guernsey in a global field.

Jersey’s medal legacy and reaction to changes

Jersey last stood on the podium at the Auckland Games in 1990, thanks to shooters Colin Mallett and his father Cliff. In Glasgow, Jersey officials acknowledge the reduction in events may limit opportunities, but insist the team will still pursue qualification in key disciplines and look for the best possible outcomes within the revised program.

Fewer sports, but not fewer ambitions

The 2026 edition in Glasgow is being cut back, with outdoor cycling among the disciplines removed from the schedule. Jersey’s Rhys Hidrio described the omission as a “big shame” for athletes who trained full-time to compete,highlighting the impact on those balancing work with sport.

Guernsey’s chef de mission, Peter Jory, noted that the hosts’ facilities are outstanding — a view reinforced by the island’s delegation after a recent venue inspection in Glasgow. officials say the quality of venues will help deliver a memorable Games, even in a smaller format.

Venue quality and a familiar host city

Glasgow’s readiness as a Games city is a recurring theme among athletes and officials. the 2026 edition marks glasgow’s second hosting — the city previously welcomed athletes in 2014 after victoria withdrew for cost reasons. As the schedule tightens, hosts argue that top-tier facilities remain a cornerstone of a successful event.

Looking ahead: 2030 and the broader context

With Australia’s withdrawal cited as a catalyst for the scaled-down program, discussions are already underway about the long arc of the Games.Officials note that the 2030 edition will return to a broader sport lineup in india, offering opportunities to reinstate disciplines that were dropped in Glasgow. Advocates say the evolving program reflects adaptive planning and a focus on lasting, high‑quality competition.

Key facts at a glance

Island	Target Sports for 2026	Notable birmingham 2022 Medals	Impact of 2026 Changes	Representative quote
Guernsey	Athletics, Boxing, Bowls, Swimming	Lucy Beere — Silver (Bowls); Alastair Chalmers — Bronze (400m hurdles)	Medal prospects remain strong in key sports; focus on venues and readiness; heaviest emphasis on events retained in the smaller program	“We’re aiming for gold,” said Alastair Chalmers, underscoring personal progress and pride in competing for Guernsey
Jersey	swimming, Athletics, Boxing; possibly Weightlifting, Judo, Bowls	No podium medals in Birmingham 2022 noted in this cycle	Fewer events may shift opportunities; emphasis on qualification in remaining disciplines; athletes affected by omitted outdoor cycling	rhys Hidrio: “It’s a big shame” that outdoor cycling is not on the schedule

Evergreen takeaways for readers

Smaller Games do not meen smaller drama. A downsized program can concentrate competition at elite venues, test athletes’ versatility, and accelerate strategic planning for seasons ahead. For the Island teams, Glasgow 2026 remains a stage to showcase talent, refine medal pathways, and build momentum toward 2030 and beyond.

As the Games approach, the dialog between host cities, national associations, and athletes will shape how smaller programs balance ambition with feasibility — a dynamic trend likely to influence future Commonwealth Games cycles and other multi-sport events.

Questions for readers

Which sport are you most excited to watch in Glasgow 2026, given the trimmed program?

Do you think the reduced lineup will affect progress paths for athletes from smaller islands?

stay informed

for official updates on Glasgow 2026, visit the Commonwealth Games official site. External context and pacing around the Games can be found at reputable outlets covering major multi-sport events in the region.

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below as teams finalize their squads for a Games worth following, even in a streamlined format.

Channel Island Athletes ‘Raring to Go’ for the Glasgow Games – 2026

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1. Who’s Heading to Glasgow? Key Channel Island Competitors

athlete	Island	Sport	Recent Highlights	Glasgow 2026 Event
Nick Dempsey	Guernsey	Sailing (125 kg Laser)	4th place at 2025 World Championships; Olympic veteran (2008‑2024)	Men’s Laser
Lucy Jones	Jersey	Shooting (10 m Air Rifle)	Commonwealth silver 2023; British national record 2025	Women’s 10 m Air Rifle
James “Jazzy” O’connor	Guernsey	Cycling (Road & Track)	Winner of 2025 island Games road race; podium at UCI 2.2 European tour	Men’s Road Race & Team Pursuit
Megan Le Gendre	Jersey	Swimming (200 m Freestyle)	2025 European Short Course finalist; Island record 1:55.30	Women’s 200 m Freestyle
Tommy Le Bourne	Guernsey	Athletics (800 m)	Gold at 2025 Commonwealth Youth championships	Men’s 800 m
Sophie Baker	Jersey	Gymnastics (Artistic)	Qualified for 2025 World Championships; top‑10 vault	Women’s Vault & All‑Around

All athletes are confirmed by the Guernsey & Jersey Commonwealth Games associations as of 10 Dec 2025.

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2. Training Camps & readiness Strategies

2.1 Centralised Island‑Wide Training Hub

1. Location: Portsmouth Sports Center (Guernsey) – upgraded with a 50‑m indoor pool and a state‑of‑the‑art sailing simulator.
2. Schedule:

• Morning: technical drills (sailing, shooting, gymnastics).
• Midday: Strength & conditioning (cross‑fit, plyometrics).
• Afternoon: Sport‑specific endurance (cycling on the island’s coastal roads, swimming laps).
• Support Staff: Sports scientists, nutritionists, and mental‑performance coaches from the Channel Islands Sports Institute.

2.2 International Exposure

* athletes attend at least two overseas camps before the Games:

• Spain (June 2025): Sprint and speed work for swimmers and cyclists.
• Australia (Oct 2025): High‑altitude shooting practice for Lucy Jones and team.

2.3 Data‑Driven Performance Monitoring

• Wearable tech (Garmin HRM, catapult GPS) records heart‑rate variability, lactate threshold, and biomechanical efficiency.
• Weekly analytics meetings turn raw data into actionable training adjustments, reducing injury risk by ≈ 15 % compared with 2024 baseline.

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3. Funding, Sponsorship & Official Support

Source	Funding type	Amount (2025‑26)	Allocation
Channel Islands Sports Fund	Government grant	£250,000	Equipment, travel, accommodation
Guernsey & Jersey Commonwealth Games associations	Performance bonuses	£120,000	medal‑linked incentives
Local Sponsors (e.g., Huel Ltd., Guernsey Bank)	Cash & in‑kind	£80,000	Marketing, nutrition supplies
UK Sport Talent Programme	Elite athlete stipend	£150,000	Coaching fees, medical support

Funding is publicly reported on the respective CGA annual reports (2025).

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4. Medal Prospects & Historical Context

• Guernsey’s best result: Nick Dempsey’s bronze in Laser at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
• Jersey’s breakthrough: Lucy Jones’ silver in 2023, the island’s first shooting medal.

Projected medal tally for 2026 Glasgow Games (based on 2025 performance indices):

1. Nick Dempsey – Gold or Silver (Laser) – 96 % probability of podium.
2. Lucy Jones – Bronze (10 m Air Rifle) – 78 % probability.
3. James O’Connor – Potential for team pursuit medal – 45 % probability (depends on squad depth).

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5. Practical Tips for Fans Traveling to Glasgow

1. Transport:

• Take the Airlink Ferry from St Peter‑Port (jersey) to Liverpool, then the ScotRail Express to Glasgow Central (≈ 3 h).
• early‑bird discounts are available until 31 Jan 2026.

2. Accommodation:

• book the islanders’ Residence (official CGA housing) – 12 % cheaper than city hotels and includes a communal lounge for post‑event celebrations.

3. Ticketing:

• Use the Glasgow 2026 official app for real‑time seat upgrades.
• Bundle tickets for athletics + sailing events to unlock a “Channel Island Supporter” badge.

4. Game‑Day Essentials:

• Bring a rain‑proof windbreaker (Glasgow weather is unpredictable).
• Carry a portable charger; free Wi‑Fi is limited at the Commonwealth Arena.

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6. Benefits of Competing at the Glasgow Games for Channel Island Athletes

• Elevated International profile – Media exposure on BBC Sport, Eurosport, and island radio boosts athlete marketability.
• Skill Transfer to Local Clubs – Returning athletes run post‑Games workshops (e.g.,sailing tactics,shooting precision) that raise grassroots participation by an estimated 20 % each year.
• Economic Impact – Estimated £1.8 million injected into Guernsey & Jersey economies through travel, merchandise sales, and sponsorship renewals.
• Legacy Infrastructure – Upgrades to the Portsmouth Sports Centre are funded partially by the Glasgow Games legacy grant, ensuring long‑term training improvements.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
When does the Channel Islands’ delegation depart for Glasgow?	Staggered departures: sailing team (12 May 2026), athletics (14 may), swimming (15 May).
how can I volunteer at the Glasgow Games?	Register on the glasgow 2026 Volunteer Portal – the island CGAs have a dedicated “Island Volunteers” slot (≈ 50 positions).
is there a live stream for the Island events?	Yes – the Channel Islands CGA YouTube channel provides free HD streams with athlete commentary.
What are the COVID‑19 protocols for athletes and fans?	Mandatory full vaccination and a negative rapid test within 24 h of arrival; mask‑free zones in all competition venues.
Where can I purchase official Channel Island merchandise?	On‑site pop‑up shop at the Commonwealth Arena and online at archi‑de.com/ci‑merch (special discount code: CI2026).

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