|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The New Zealand Team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been confirmed, with 116 competing members set to represent New Zealand across 10 sports in Scotland next month.
The New Zealand Team has a gender split of 65 females and 51 males and an average age of 27.7 years old.
One third of the team are from the Auckland region with Waikato (11.5 per cent) and Canterbury (10.6 per cent) the next highest represented regions.
New Zealand Team chef de mission, Nigel Avery, says having the full New Zealand Team named is an important step as preparations build toward Glasgow.
“I’ve communicated with every person named in this team, either in person at selection announcements, over the phone or voice message, and what stands out is their excitement and pride they have in representing New Zealand,” he says.
“For some, this will be their first time wearing the fern at a Games. For others, Glasgow will add another chapter to long and successful careers.
“Across this New Zealand Team there’s a strong sense of purpose, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they prepare to compete on the Commonwealth stage.”
The New Zealand Team for Glasgow 2026 brings together athletes from a wide range of backgrounds, including Cook Islands, Samoan and Tongan representation, while 13.5 per cent of the team are of Māori descent.
Gymnast Sienna Shields is the youngest athlete, having turned 18 years old on June 3, while Lawn Bowls athlete Julie O’Connell is the oldest at 67.
The New Zealand Team includes 63 athletes set for their first Commonwealth Games, with more than a third returning for a second Games or more.
At the experienced end, gymnast Misha Koudinov will contest his sixth Commonwealth Games, lawn bowls athletes Shannon Mcilroy and Ali Forsyth their fifth, while Para bowls’ Mark Noble and shotput athlete Tom Walsh will each make a fourth appearance.
Avery says the mix of debutants and returning athletes would be a strength for the team.
“There’s real value in having athletes who know what a Games environment demands, and there’s also a lot of energy coming from those who are heading to their first Games.
“The experienced athletes help set standards, and the debutants bring a fresh edge and a hunger to make the most of the opportunity.”
Glasgow 2026 will feature 10 sports, including six integrated Para sports, with more than 200 gold medals available across 10 days of competition from July 23 to August 2.
New Zealand Team athletes will compete in artistic gymnastics, athletics, Para athletics, basketball 3×3, boxing, lawn bowls, Para bowls, judo, netball, swimming, Para swimming, track cycling, Para track cycling and weightlifting.
