Alastair Chalmers Eyes Commonwealth Games Glory Alongside First-Time Fatherhood
Guernsey’s track and field star, Alastair Chalmers, is preparing for a pivotal 2026, balancing the demands of training for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with the joyous anticipation of becoming a father. The 25-year-old athlete and his partner, Ellie Bell, announced their pregnancy on December 29, 2025, a development Chalmers described as “a beautiful thing.”
Chalmers, a five-time British champion and Olympic and World Championship semi-finalist, is aiming to add to his already impressive accolades. He became Guernsey’s first athletics medallist at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze medal in Birmingham in 2022, and also made his Olympic debut at Paris 2024. Now, he harbors a powerful ambition: to stand on the podium once more, this time with his child present.
“A dream of mine would be to get a medal, win the Commonwealth Games or the Europeans, and to walk around the track with the baby,” Chalmers stated. “I mean, that would be incredible.” He acknowledges the challenges ahead, admitting “a lot can happen between now and then,” but remains focused on achieving his goals.
Balancing Athletics and Parenthood
The prospect of juggling a rigorous training schedule with the responsibilities of a newborn is daunting, but Chalmers is approaching it with a pragmatic optimism. He anticipates “hard work,” but also finds the situation “exciting.” A key factor in his confidence is the unwavering support of his partner.
“My partner’s so maternal, she loves looking after babies, so she’s going to be a great mother,” he said. Chalmers’ training schedule, typically mornings until lunchtime, allows him to contribute significantly to childcare, a benefit he acknowledges is greater than if he held a traditional job.
He is realistic about the potential for “difficult moments,” but draws inspiration from fellow athlete-parents. He cited the example of a friend in Wales who successfully navigated parenthood while continuing to excel in his sport, even winning world and European indoor titles after becoming a father. “It’s just about your support system, like having family and friends around to help,” Chalmers emphasized.
A Grueling Training Regime
Chalmers’ dedication to his sport is evident in the intensity of his training. His program consists of three “very hard and intense weeks” followed by a “d-load week” dedicated to recovery. The physical toll is significant, as he described waking up “most mornings sore and tired.”
“I’m on my back after a session for half an hour, kind of yelling because my hamstrings are on fire,” he recounted. “I’ve had someone walk past and say, ‘Do you want me to call an ambulance?’ because we’re lying on our backs completely dead.” Despite the pain, he embraces the challenge, recognizing that “it’s all hard work which makes us the best.”
To sustain this level of exertion, Chalmers prioritizes nutrition, consuming a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates, limiting alcohol intake, and focusing on injury prevention through consistent gym work. “It takes a lot and we’ve got to stay healthy to avoid getting ill or injured,” he explained.
Mental Fortitude and Inspiring a Generation
Beyond the physical demands, Chalmers possesses a strong mental game, crucial for performing under pressure. “I’ve used the crowd and the pressure to actually accelerate my performance and to do better,” he said. “I work too hard to go mess it up on the start line.”
His journey to becoming an elite athlete began around age 18, fueled by a growing passion for the sport. He attributes his success not to luck, but to a combination of dedication, genetics, timing, and the support of the right training groups and life choices.
Chalmers hopes his achievements, particularly winning Guernsey’s first Commonwealth Games medal in track and field, will inspire younger generations. “There was a huge reception for that and hopefully kids can look up to that,” he said. “It’s not like ‘you’re from Guernsey and there’s no chance of succeeding and getting to the top level’, there is. It’s how you get nurtured and the hard work you put in and how driven you are and so it’s lovely to have that here.”
As one of Guernsey’s anticipated 20 competitors in Glasgow this summer, Chalmers is poised to represent his island nation on the highest international stage. He also expressed his desire to share these experiences with his growing family, hoping to “bring the baby along to these amazing experiences.”
