Scotland's leading track and field athletes are gearing up for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with a strong desire to represent their nation and increase the visibility of their sport, even as they observe a notable lack of coverage from some domestic media outlets.
Jemma Reekie, who secured silver at the World Indoors in Glasgow and finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, experienced firsthand the limited attention Scottish athletics can receive. In early September, a key Diamond League meeting where Reekie competed in the women's 800m, despite a strong field, was overshadowed in local media by a football match and a BBC Scotland social media post about a birthday cake presentation. The Diamond League, described as the athletics equivalent of the Champions League, did not warrant mention on BBC Scotland’s social media feeds that evening.
This oversight highlights a broader issue where Scottish athletes and their achievements often occupy only the margins of mainstream media. However, the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland are anticipated to be a significant exception, providing a crucial platform for Team Scotland. A squad of 39 athletes has been selected for athletics and para-athletics.
Josh Kerr, the World Record holder in the mile, has emerged as a prominent figure aiming to break through this low-profile ceiling. His record-breaking run at the London Diamond League, witnessed by 60,000 fans, garnered more attention from publications like The New York Times and Sports Illustrated than from some outlets at home. Kerr, who committed to the Commonwealth Games as early as September of the previous year, is expected to be one of the biggest global names competing.
The motivation to represent Team Scotland at Glasgow 2026 is reportedly strong across the athletics team. Every Scottish athlete who has represented Great Britain in the past five years has put themselves forward for selection.
Laura Muir, set for her third Commonwealth Games, emphasizes the importance of the "see it to be it" aspect for aspiring young athletes. "We don’t get many chances to compete for Scotland at this kind of level. It is once every four years," Muir stated. She actively seeks opportunities to compete in Britain and Scotland, including cross-country events, to be visible to emerging talent.
Jake Wightman, a two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, echoed these sentiments, believing that athletics should be Scotland's national sport due to the high percentage of medals achieved by Scottish athletes at global championships. "Sometimes I don’t think that is appreciated," Wightman remarked. He sees the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to showcase the sport to a general audience and to give back to the system and clubs that supported their development.
Scots, including Muir and Wightman, have a strong record, medaling at 11 of the last 12 major championships over the past four years. If this successful run continues at the Glasgow Games, it is hoped that this sustained success will garner greater recognition and potentially lead to more positive media attention, perhaps even with celebratory cake.
