The Commonwealth Games 2026 (to take place from 23 July to 2 August) is an important event for Weightlifting Wales and all sports represented in the programme. We are currently working to finalise the qualification & selection policy for Team Wales with their support and I'd like to thank all coaches and athletes for their patience while we finalise the policy as quickly as possible.

Our priority is to send a team to the Commonwealth Championships in India later this summer to secure the highest possible rankings for qualification. Currently we are not looking at sending a team to the World Championships in Norway due to sufficient funds not being available, however we are currently exploring opportunities should any athlete show potential for qualification that has not attended the Commonwealth Championships in India in this first phase of qualification. Following the Commonwealth Championships in India the next qualification focus will be the 2026 European Championships in Georgia.

The Performance team will continue to keep athletes and coaches updated with the process and any further developments.

This update comes in the week of the excellent news that well-known Welsh Television broadcaster Gethin Jones, has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the announcement made exactly 400 days to go till the Games commence (Wednesday 19th June). 

Gethin brings a wealth of experience and passion for Welsh sport to this role. He has previously experienced the Commonwealth Games environment as Team Wales Attaché at the Gold Coast 2018 Games. Whilst he immersed himself in the elite sports environment and witnessed firsthand the dedication, expertise and commitment required to organise and deliver a team to the world class multi-sport event, he developed a newfound motivation that led him to return to university to complete a Master's in Sports Directorship, equipping himself with advanced skills to make a meaningful impact in the world of sports leadership.

His background in sports and media, combined with his deep connection to Welsh culture, makes him an ideal leader to inspire and guide Team Wales through the upcoming Games as the figurehead spokesperson for the team.

As Chef de Mission, Gethin will be the figurehead of Team Wales, leading and motivating athletes and support staff, representing Wales at official functions, and acting as the spokesperson for the team in the lead-up to and during the Games. His responsibilities will include fostering a positive team culture, building relationships with the athletes, sports and wider Glasgow 2026 Organising Committee, ensuring effective communication among all stakeholders.

We at Weightlifting Wales are looking forward to having this partnership with Gethin and all it will provide in both the lead up and during the Commonwealth Games themselves.