When the fastest man on the planet won Commonwealth relay gold for Jamaica in 2014, more than 50,000 fans cheered him home at Hampden. But the athletes seeking to emulate Usain Bolt when the Games return to Glasgow – including mile world record holder Josh Kerr – will be competing at Scotstoun Stadium in front of 11,000 spectators. This time round almost everything is on a smaller scale but organisers are confident fans will create a Tartan Army-style atmosphere for the 3,000 competitors who will be chasing glory. From Friday until 2 August, 215 gold medals will be up for grabs – compared to 261 when Scotland last staged the Games – but Glasgow 2026 will see a record 47 para-sports events. The action gets under way with bowls and para-bowls heats at 09:30, but the Games will be officially opened by King Charles during a ceremony at the Hydro later. It will be attended by athletes from 74 nations and territories as well as dignitaries including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Published: July 22, 2026 9:51 pm
Source: BBC — Read original