STATEMENT: GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Following the announcement of the sports selected for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games we are extremely disappointed that triathlon will not feature. Whilst we acknowledge that a tremendous amount of work has been carried out by the team at Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) to secure the Games under difficult circumstances, Triathlon Scotland staff worked with Team Scotland and organising officials to explore various event options for the inclusion of our sport.

As the 2026 Games will be operating under a vastly reduced budget, we recognised that triathlon in its traditional format would be unlikely. In line with the Games’ principles of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability we presented a range of triathlon event formats, including Paratriathlon, to CGS in an effort to secure the inclusion of our sport. With the confirmation of four event venues only, with no road closures or use of public spaces for events, we reluctantly accept that the limited nature of these Games means that it is not possible for our sport to feature.

I would like to place on record my thanks to those Triathlon Scotland staff members who advocated for the sport’s inclusion, for their engagement with the organising committee, their thoughtfulness and creative approaches.

Our priority now is to support our athletes and coaches affected by this decision and identify as many opportunities as possible for them to compete and succeed on the world stage.

Steve Paige
CEO
Tuesday 22nd October 2024