Sarah Adlington, draped in the quiet confidence of a champion, will step onto the mat in Glasgow just days after turning 40, leading a judo squad where the future is already moving at full speed. The two-time Commonwealth gold medallist anchors Team Scotland’s 13-member judo team for the 2026 Games, a symbolic torchbearer not just in name but in spirit, as half of the women’s team are 22 or younger. From 31 July to 2 August, the SECC in Glasgow will host a new generation of Scottish judokas, many making their Commonwealth debut, carrying with them not only personal ambition but family legacies written in throws and takedowns.
This isn’t just a team — it’s a living thread through Scotland’s judo history. Scott Cusack, competing in the -90kg category, follows the path blazed by his parents, Loretta and Billy Cusack, both Commonwealth medallists when judo debuted at the 1990 Auckland Games. Loretta, a 1982 world champion, now serves as Glasgow 2026’s Sport Competition Manager for Judo, meaning she’ll witness her son’s first Games from just beyond the edge of the tatami. "Having my mum and dad both compete at the Commonwealth Games, it's always been a thing that I wanted to do. I really want to make them proud," said British champion Cusack — a moment that quietly echoes across decades of dedication.
The youth of the squad is striking: Eva Ewing, at 18, is the youngest selected, competing in the -48kg division, while Summer Shaw, the 22-year-old British Championships gold medallist, is already one of the elder stateswomen among the women’s team. Sunny Doig, 21, draws on experience from Birmingham 2022’s Achieve Programme, now stepping into full competition. On the men’s side, Ollie Short earns his first call-up after strong performances, including silver at both the Hong Kong Asian Open and the Mandurah Oceania Open, following in the footsteps of his brother Alex, who narrowly missed a bronze in Birmingham.
The team blends experience and raw potential — from Adlington’s seasoned dominance in the +78kg category to newcomers like Neil MacDonald and Aiden Moffat in the -66kg division, and Gregor Miller anchoring the heavyweight +100kg class. Daniel Pacitti and Ollie Short both take the -73kg stage, while Sophie Wood joins Doig in the -63kg bracket, and Nicole Wood pairs with Adlington in the -78kg field.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome the Commonwealth once more, this squad embodies continuity and renewal. These athletes don’t just carry flags — they carry stories, sacrifices, and the quiet promise that excellence is passed down, one generation at a time.