Scots Paralympic Medallists Named for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Scotland has unveiled its seven-strong Para-swimming squad for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, featuring multiple Paralympic medallists set to compete on home soil. The team includes Paralympic champions Faye Rogers and Stephen Clegg, alongside Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Toni Shaw, who will make her third Commonwealth Games appearance for Scotland.
According to Team Scotland’s official announcement, the squad comprises four men and three women who will compete at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre this summer. Veteran swimmers Stephen Clegg, Ollie Carter and Sam Downie return after their debuts at Birmingham 2022, while James Clegg, Faye Rogers and Astrid Carroll are set to make their Commonwealth Games debuts.
The selection builds on strong performances at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where Stephen Clegg won gold in the S12 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke, setting a world record in the latter event. Faye Rogers similarly claimed gold in the S10 100m Butterfly at Paris 2024, adding to her status as a world champion in the same discipline.
Veteran Leadership and New Faces Shape Scottish Squad
Toni Shaw brings valuable experience to the team, having previously earned bronze in the 400m freestyle S9 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and securing a Commonwealth bronze medal at Birmingham 2022. Her third Games appearance provides continuity and leadership for the younger members of the squad.
The Clegg brothers represent a significant part of Scotland’s Paralympic swimming legacy. Stephen Clegg, a three-time Paralympian, has accumulated six medals across three Games, including silver and two bronzes from Tokyo 2020 and two golds from Paris 2024. His brother James Clegg earned bronze in the 100m freestyle S12 at London 2012, contributing to their combined Paralympic medal tally.
Astrid Carroll joins the team as a world championship medallist, having won silver in the 100m breaststroke SB12 and bronze in the 100m backstroke S12 at the 2023 World Championships in Manchester. Fellow debutant Sam Downie brings recent international success after winning the S8 100m backstroke at the 2023 World Championships.
Home Advantage and Competitive Preparation
Stephen Clegg expressed enthusiasm about competing in front of a home crowd, stating: “It’s such an honour to be selected for a Commonwealth Games and to have a home Games is such a rare opportunity. To have a crowd that is there for you is really special. As I’ve got older, I have learned to use the crowd in a much more effective way, and I think the atmosphere in Glasgow is going to be huge.”
Faye Rogers echoed this sentiment, noting her excitement about having family and friends able to attend the Games in Glasgow. The Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which hosted swimming events during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, will once again serve as the venue for aquatic competitions in 2026.
Ollie Carter completes the squad as a multiple BUCS Swimming Championships gold medallist, adding depth to Scotland’s freestyle and relay options. The selection process prioritized athletes with proven international performance records, ensuring the team is competitive across multiple classifications and events.
Glasgow 2026 to Feature Record Para-Sport Programme
Glasgow 2026 is set to feature the largest para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history, providing increased opportunities for Para-swimmers to compete at the highest level. The expanded programme reflects the growing commitment to inclusion and diversity within the Commonwealth Games movement.
With the Games scheduled for July-August 2026, the Scottish Para-swimming team will now enter a period of focused preparation and training camps leading up to the competition. Fans and supporters can follow the team’s progress through official Team Scotland channels as they build toward what promises to be a historic home Games for Scottish Paralympic sport.
Keep reading