Jean Cross and Andy Hamon to Lead Jersey Team at 2024 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Cross and Hamon to lead Jersey team at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Jean Cross and Andy Hamon have been appointed to key leadership roles for Jersey’s delegation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Cross serving as Chef de Mission for a third time and Hamon taking on the role of General Team Manager at senior level for the first time. The announcement, made by the Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey (CGAJ), confirms the island’s preparations are well underway as the Games approach this summer.

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Cross, who similarly serves as vice-president of the CGAJ, previously led Jersey’s teams at the Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. She expressed pride in returning to the role, stating she is “very proud to be Chef de Mission for the third time and leading the team for Glasgow.” Hamon, who managed Jersey’s cycling team at each Commonwealth Games since 2014 and served as team manager at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, said he is “really happy to be able to play a part for Jersey” and relishes the opportunity to step up to the senior stage.

Both leaders acknowledged the disruption caused by the withdrawal of Victoria as the original host city, expressing gratitude to Glasgow for stepping in to host the Games. Cross noted it has been “an unsettling time for all athletes,” but emphasized that planning is “well advanced” and the team is confident the event will be “amazing for all involved.” Hamon echoed this, saying they have been “working hard over the last few months to give our athletes the best platform possible.”

Jersey has been allocated a maximum of 21 ‘open allocation’ athlete places for the Glasgow 2026 Games, with potential for additional invites in selected sports. Final team selection is expected to be confirmed next month, according to CGAJ officials. The Games will seize place across four venues in Glasgow, marking a return to Scotland for the Commonwealth Games after the 2014 edition.

Leadership roles and responsibilities

As Chef de Mission, Jean Cross will oversee the overall management and coordination of Jersey’s delegation, acting as the primary liaison between the team and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Her role includes ensuring athlete welfare, coordinating logistics, and representing Jersey at official functions. This marks her third appointment to the position, having previously served in the same capacity at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

Andy Hamon, as General Team Manager, will focus on the day-to-day operations of the team, including scheduling, accommodation, transport, and coordination with sport-specific coaches and support staff. His appointment represents a promotion from his previous role managing Jersey’s cycling team at past Commonwealth Games and his experience as team manager at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Hamon has been involved with Jersey’s Commonwealth Games cycling programme since 2014.

Jersey’s Commonwealth Games history and preparation

Jersey has participated in every Commonwealth Games since its debut in 1958, with athletes competing in sports such as cycling, shooting, swimming, and athletics. The island’s best performance came at the 2002 Manchester Games, where it won two gold medals. For Glasgow 2026, Jersey’s preparation has included regular training camps, performance monitoring, and collaboration with UK-based sports institutes to ensure athletes are competition-ready.

The CGAJ has confirmed that planning for the Glasgow Games is “well advanced,” with venue familiarization, kit distribution, and athlete support programmes already in progress. Officials emphasized that despite the change of host city from Victoria to Glasgow, the core objectives remain unchanged: to provide Jersey athletes with a high-quality international competition experience and to represent the island with pride.

What happens next for Team Jersey

The next key milestone in Jersey’s Commonwealth Games journey is the official squad announcement, expected next month. Once the team is finalized, athletes will enter a final preparation phase, including potential pre-Games training camps and competition simulations. The CGAJ will continue to provide updates through its official channels as the Games draw closer.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to begin in July, with the opening ceremony set for July 23 and competition running through August 2. Jersey’s delegation will join over 5,000 athletes from 72 Commonwealth nations and territories competing across 10 sports.

For the latest updates on Jersey’s Commonwealth Games preparations, including squad announcements and athlete profiles, visit the official Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey website or follow their verified social media channels.

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