Glasgow 2026 is set to be a historic event for a host of reasons; with the inclusion of the largest-ever para sport programme the Commonwealth Games has ever-seen, undoubtedly one of the most significant headliners.
Somewhat aptly, Team Scotland has announced it will field its biggest Para Athletics squad to date, with eight Scottish stars set to line-up across their respective T20, T38 and T54 disciplines this summer.
The inclusion of the T20 category – a Commonwealth Games first – is particularly significant for the host nation as it will enable Paralympic champions Ben Sandilands and Owen Miller to make Commonwealth Games debuts in Glasgow.
Speaking on his selection, 2024 Paralympic gold medallist and current T20 1500m world record holder, Ben Sandilands said:
“I’m really excited. It’s my first Commonwealth Games, and it’s been something I’ve been dreaming about.”
He added that his goal is to “win the race” and said it was “possible” spectators at Scotstoun Stadium could witness a record-breaking performance from him.
Taking to the start line with Sandilands will be fellow 1500m T20 Paralympic champion Owen Miller, who claimed the title at Tokyo 2020.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to run for Team Scotland, so it feels like a really big deal,” said Miller, who missed Paris 2024 due to injury and is now determined to return to winning ways on the major stage, in front of a home crowd.
“I feel like I’ve got something to prove, but I’m ready to make this comeback.”
Pamela Robertson is the Paralympic Pathway Manager at Scottish Athletics and will join Team Scotland this summer to support the Para Athletics team.
“I’ve known these athletes for a long time now, so it fills me with so much pride to see them selected for Team Scotland,” Robertson told us.
“For athletes in the T20 classification to get the opportunity to compete at a Commonwealth Games is huge.
“It means so much to them and everyone who has supported them to get here.”
Two-time World Championships bronze medallist Melanie Woods also joins the squad as another experienced para athlete and the wheelchair racer is aiming to build on her Commonwealth Games debut, where she placed fourth.
“Birmingham (2022) was one of my first international competitions, so even though fourth is usually a horrible place to finish, I was actually really pleased,” she told us.
“I’m coming back as a completely different athlete with four years of international racing under my belt, so I’m really excited to see what I can do.”
Joining her in the 1500m T54 event will be up-and-coming wheelchair racer Joanna Robertson, who, like Woods, joined the sport after a life-changing accident left her paralysed from the waist down.
“It’s such an honour to be able to put on the Scotland vest and represent my home country at the Commonwealth Games,” Robertson said.
“Racing for Team Scotland, it’s more like home, you’re racing with close friends, those who understand you. Even just racing on your home turf gives you that extra boost, it’s fantastic!”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August, for your chance to secure tickets to watch some of the best track and field stars on the planet race at Scotstoun Stadium, CLICK HERE.
Team Scotland Para Athletes selected for Glasgow 2026:
Ben Sandilands – Men’s 1500m T20
Steven Bryce – Men’s 1500m T20
Owen Miller – Men’s 1500m T20
Sean Frame – Men’s 1500m T54
Steven Stone – Men’s Long Jump T20
Alexander Thomson – Men’s 100m T38
Joanna Robertson – Women’s 1500m T54
Melanie Woods – Women’s 1500m T54 and Women’s 400m T54
Classifications explained:
T – represents disciplines on the Track
T20’s – athletes that compete standing with an intellectual impairment.
T30’s – athletes with co-ordination impairments.
T50’s – athletes who compete seated using a racing wheelchair
