Dunblane athlete Andy Butchart will compete for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games for the third time after being selected for the athletics squad for Glasgow 2026. The 28-strong track and field team, announced on Thursday, features a mix of experienced Olympians and promising debutants.
Butchart's Commonwealth Journey
Butchart, a two-time Olympian (2016 and 2020), made his Commonwealth debut in 2022 in Birmingham after missing the 2018 Gold Coast Games due to injury. He will race in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, aiming to improve on his seventh-place finish in the 10,000m at Birmingham 2022.
The Central AC athlete is one of several seasoned competitors in the squad, which includes Eilish McColgan (10,000m) and hammer thrower Chris Bennett, both appearing in their fourth Games. Laura Muir (5,000m) and discus thrower Nick Percy will compete in their third.
Strong Squad Announced
The selection follows pre-selections of Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley, and Megan Keith last year, and eight para-athletes including Paralympic champion Ben Sandilands last month. The Commonwealth Mile will see full representation with world and Olympic medallist Josh Kerr joining Wightman and Gourley in the men's event, and Jemma Reekie and Erin Wallace alongside Sarah Calvert in the women's.
Team Scotland Chef de Mission Elinor Middlemiss said: “A huge congratulations to all the track and field athletes selected to compete in Glasgow this summer. It’s fantastic to see such a strong team named for the Games - a team which has a real mix of strength, depth and experience. Several of these athletes competed at Glasgow 2014 and will be able to impart that experience to the rest of the team.”
Home Games Opportunity
The athletics events will take place at Scotstoun Stadium, giving Scottish athletes the chance to compete in front of home crowds. Butchart, from Dunblane, will be aiming to secure a medal on home soil, adding to his experience at the highest level.
