As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, elite competitors including Rhys McClenaghan, Josh Kerr, and Kadeena Cox are finalizing preparations. With over 3,000 athletes set to compete across 10 sports, the event marks a significant moment for these stars to pursue historic milestones on the international stage.
Rhys McClenaghan’s Pursuit of ‘Rhys 2.0’
Gymnast bbc.co.uk arrives in Glasgow as one of Team Northern Ireland’s wise auld heids. Despite his status as an Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion on the pommel horse, the 26-year-old is preparing to debut a completely new routine. Following a shoulder injury that sidelined him last year, McClenaghan has adapted to recent rule changes, a shift he describes as developing Rhys 2.0
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“The Commonwealth Games is a good chance to show your work in progress. At the Olympic Games, you want to see your finished product. It’s going to be a work in progress, but hopefully one that is the best in the world too.”
Rhys McClenaghan, Gymnast
McClenaghan, who secured the first Olympic gymnastics medal for Ireland with his gold in Paris two years ago, faces a field that will notably lack England’s Max Whitlock, who withdrew from the Games due to injury. The men’s pommel horse final is scheduled for Monday, 27 July at The Arena.
Josh Kerr and the Home Games Ambition
For Scottish athlete ca.sports.yahoo.com, the upcoming competition carries personal significance. The 28-year-old world-record holder in the mile—having clocked a time of 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League—is competing in his homeland for the Commonwealth Mile on Saturday, 1 August.
“Gold in Scotland is what I grew up thinking about.”
Josh Kerr, Athlete
Kerr, known for his bullish approach on the track, is seeking his first medal for Team Scotland. His performance will be a focal point for local spectators at Scotstoun Stadium.
Kadeena Cox and Chad le Clos: Seeking History
Para-cyclist Kadeena Cox is set to make her Commonwealth Games debut at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Thursday, 30 July. The 35-year-old, who captured gold in both athletics and cycling at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, was previously unable to compete in the last two iterations of the Games due to injury. She will compete in the C4-5 event.
Meanwhile, South African swimmer Chad le Clos is nearing a historic milestone. With 18 total medals, he is one medal away from becoming the most decorated male athlete in the history of the Games. Le Clos, who equalled Ian Thorpe’s record of seven medals in a single Games during the 2014 event in Glasgow, is slated for the 50m and 100m butterfly events at the Tollcross Swimming Centre.
Tapering and Nutrition Strategies
As the competition nears, athletes are managing the final phase of their training known as tapering. Loughborough University’s Performance Nutrition Lead, Andy Shepherd, notes that this period is essential for recovery but varies significantly depending on the athlete’s specific discipline.
“Taper varies massively, even within the same sport. Some athletes may only need a very short period of rest and only have one or two days, while others may have three to four weeks. You often see different variations of taper based on musculature, power-based events or endurance events.”
Andy Shepherd, Performance Nutrition Lead
Nutritionists focus on reducing total food volume while maintaining high-quality fuel, often incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries and omega-3 sources. In the final 24 to 48 hours before an event, the focus shifts to consistency of foods and habits.
“The last 24 to 48 hours before a competition should be about consistency of foods and habits that they enjoy and know works for them in both training and competition. The biggest thing they should focus on during this time though is forgetting about the fact that they’ve been on taper and thinking ahead to the event that’s coming up.”
Andy Shepherd, Performance Nutrition Lead
Rising Talent: Seine Stowers
Weightlifter Seine Stowers enters the Games as a rising prospect after a performance at the Universal Weightlifting Championship in Samoa, where she secured four gold medals and broke 12 records on her 18th birthday. Competing in the women’s 77kg category, Stowers looks to continue a family legacy of success, following her sister Feagaiga, who is a previous Commonwealth Games medalist.
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