A record 22 athletes from the University of Stirling will compete at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, surpassing the institution’s previous high of 20 set at Birmingham 2022.
The athletes, representing six nations across four sports, underline Stirling’s status as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Sixteen will compete for Scotland, alongside representatives from England, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Malaysia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Selections were finalised this week with confirmation of Malaysian swimmer Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal and judoka Gabriella Wood, who made history in 2021 as the first woman to represent Trinidad and Tobago in Olympic judo.
Chahal, 25, said competing in Glasgow would carry extra significance given his ties to Scotland. “It’ll feel like a home Games for me, because Scotland is the place I now call home,” he said.
“I’m very excited for my second Commonwealth Games, especially since it’s so close to where I’m living now.
"It gives me extra motivation to go out there and showcase the hard work I’ve put in over the past year.”
Wood, 28, is targeting a podium finish after her appearance at Birmingham 2022. “I am proud to once again represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage at Glasgow 2026,” she said.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and this selection reflects years of discipline and commitment.
"My focus now is on building on my performance at Birmingham and pushing for a podium finish.”
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They join a high-profile cohort of Stirling-linked athletes, including Scotland’s most decorated Olympian Duncan Scott OBE and Olympic champions Tom Dean, Freya Anderson, and Jack McMillan.
Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, said the record tally was a significant milestone given the scaled-back nature of the Games programme. “Breaking the record is a significant achievement, particularly given that the Games have been reduced to 10 sports,” she said.
“It speaks to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and support staff, and the strength of the environment we’ve built here. As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and Team Scotland’s Official University Partner, we are at the heart of this summer’s Games.
"We’re incredibly proud of everyone selected and will be cheering them on with our famous Stirling roar.”
Swimming selections: Ollie Carter, Evie Davis, Sam Downie, Angharad Evans, Dean Fearn, Lucy Grieve, Lucy Hope, Evan Jones, Keanna MacInnes, Holly McGill, Duncan Scott OBE, Katie Shanahan and George Smith (all Scotland), Tom Dean and Freya Anderson (England), Jack McMillan (Northern Ireland), Peter Allen (Isle of Man), Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal (Malaysia).
Evan Jones is a University of Stirling student who trains at the Manchester Performance Centre.
Artistic gymnastics: Crystelle Lake and Cameron Lynn (both Scotland).
Wheelchair basketball: Shayne Humphries (Scotland).
Judo: Gabriella Wood (Trinidad and Tobago).
Coaching staff: Ben Higson, Head Performance Swim Coach, and Bradley Hay, High-Performance Swim Coach, both coaching Scotland.
In addition, 11 Team Scotland athletes from the university are recipients of the national Winning Students 100 scholarship programme, while graduate Sarah Tait has been selected for Scotland in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.
