Gethin Jones has admitted to maintaining a secret Instagram account dedicated to following Team Wales athletes in the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The BBC Morning Live presenter missed his regular hosting duties on Friday, June 19, to participate in the king's baton relay launch in Cardiff.
Secret Account Revealed
Jones, who has been appointed chef de mission for Team Wales, addressed athletes, ambassadors, sponsors, and media at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He confessed to using a covert social media account to track the progress of potential squad members.
“I’ve been following all of our athletes on a secret Instagram account for the last 12 months,” Jones said. “All those hopes and dreams, to see every single individual – the sacrifices, the dark nights, the injuries, the setbacks, the full-time jobs, training after work. It’s quite remarkable and it inspires me every day.”
The account, named ‘Geth on a mission’, was created primarily to monitor athletes from ten different sports before selection. Jones noted that he did not believe any of the athletes had followed him back.
“I wanted to see what they’ve been through, what they go through day-to-day to make selection,” he explained. “I thought that was really important as chef de mission to know the sacrifices these guys make before they go to Glasgow. I’ve loved it, I’m slightly obsessed with it, seeing the stories, understanding the setbacks and the sacrifices.”
Morning Live Absence
Jones is taking a break from his presenting role on BBC Morning Live to focus on his Commonwealth Games responsibilities. Normally co-hosting with Helen Skelton, he has been replaced by Holly Hamilton, Gordon Smart, Greg Rutherford, and Rav Wilding. On Friday, Olympic gold-winning long jumper Greg Rutherford stepped in to cover for Jones.
In March, Jones missed a week of the show to visit Glasgow. His duties as chef de mission include leading and motivating athletes and support staff, representing Wales at official functions, and acting as a team spokesperson.
Commonwealth Games Preparations
The Commonwealth Games will commence on Thursday, July 23, featuring an 11-day competition with athletes from 74 countries competing in core sports and para events. Wales has announced a 114-strong squad, including 22 para-athletes, ranging in age from 16 to 73.
Notable names include Olympic champions Emma Finucane and Matt Richards, 100m sprinter Jeremiah Azu, and world silver medal artistic gymnast Ruby Evans. The baton relay will travel across Wales from June 19 to 24.
Speaking to WalesOnline, Jones said: “People talk about it feeling real and I think today you feel that with the baton relay beginning in Wales and also announcing 114 athletes who will compete for Team Wales in Glasgow. For us it’s been like a spreadsheet, it’s been names for a long time but it’s real, the athletes are here, they’re going to Glasgow and it feels very special. Now it’s starting to feel very real.”
When asked which Commonwealth Games sport he would back himself in, Jones opted for cycling, admitting he would not fare well in judo. “I can’t imagine I’d fair very well,” he conceded.
