Dame Denise Lewis has described a potential showdown between home favourites Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as 'the stuff of dreams'. The two-time Commonwealth gold medallist is eagerly anticipating fireworks between the Scottish athletes when they compete for gold in the Commonwealth Mile.
World Champions Set for Epic Battle
Both Kerr and Wightman are world champions over 1500 metres, and the Commonwealth Mile race presents what may be their last realistic chance to add a Commonwealth Games title to their impressive medal collections. Wightman recently claimed a stunning 1500m silver at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, narrowly missing gold by two-hundredths of a second to Portugal's Isaac Nader. This performance marked his return to the global stage after an injury-plagued period following his 2022 triumph.
Kerr, a two-time Olympic medallist and 2023 world champion, suffered a grade two calf tear during the final in Tokyo. However, the 28-year-old is now targeting a mile world record at the London Diamond League, just two weeks before he competes for Commonwealth gold on home soil.
Lewis Anticipates 'Spine-Tingling' Contest
Speaking about the prospect of Kerr and Wightman facing off, Lewis said: 'If those two arrive healthy, in the same event, sparks will fly. The difficulty for the neutral is, who do you go for? We adore both. They're both world champions and everyone totally adores them. It's the stuff of dreams.'
She added: 'It could be spine-tingling down the home straight. So, if you haven't got your tickets, get them, because there are going to be some great matchups and head-to-heads, and Kerr against Wightman is a mouth-watering prospect.'
Glasgow Steps In to Save Games
Lewis, who served as president of Commonwealth Games England (a role now held by Dame Laura Kenny), reflected on the uncertainty surrounding the event after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out as hosts in July 2023 due to financial concerns. Glasgow, which previously hosted the Games in 2014, stepped in to save the event.
'It was a massive call from Glasgow, and at really short notice too,' Lewis said. 'I was still president of Commonwealth Games England, and all the Commonwealth nations were almost on pause because we didn't know what was going to happen. There was such uncertainty.'
She emphasised the importance of the Games for athletes: 'It was not just about the host, it was very much about the athletes trying to build their careers, having moments to shine and showcase their sport, and potentially not having that opportunity. So, it is a big deal. I'm sure the athletes are very grateful. I'm just glad it's going ahead, and hopefully we can now all look forward to a healthy and a more secure future for the Commonwealth Games.'
Largest Para Sport Medal Tally
The Glasgow 2026 Games will feature the largest para sport medal tally in the history of the Commonwealth Games. For the first time, a para sport – para powerlifting – will be the first medal event of the competition. Lewis commented: 'Para sport sits right at the heart of the Commonwealth Games, and this is a great example of what we should achieve.'
King's Baton Relay
Lewis also praised the King's Baton Relay, which runs from May 26 to 31 and is supported by Team England's official automotive partner, Geely. 'The baton symbolises connectivity from country to country as it moves around the Commonwealth,' she said. 'It's that call to the attention of the Commonwealth that the Games are happening, and that people and communities can get engaged with the baton and its journey.'
She added: 'People will feel a sense of pride that they are representing their community. They've got family and friends who can get involved. It is just very special to be part of it, to witness it, and for that culmination [of the relay] when it arrives in the stadium for the first time.'
Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on teamengland.org.
