Manchester’s proud Commonwealth Games story will continue this summer after a number of athletes with strong connections to the city and Greater Manchester were selected to compete for the home nations at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Athletes from netball, swimming and athletics will fly the Mancunian flag in Glasgow, with competitors born in, trained in or playing in Manchester set to represent the home nations between 23 July and 2 August. Their selection adds another chapter to Manchester’s long-standing Commonwealth Games story, more than two decades after the city hosted the landmark event.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful major sporting legacies in the world, Manchester 2002 transformed east Manchester, delivered world-class venues and helped establish the city as one of the leading sporting destinations globally. The Games also provided a blueprint later adopted by both London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.

SUCCESS EDUAN

Among those carrying Manchester’s hopes in Glasgow is Success Eduan, the 21-year-old sprinter from Blackley, who has been selected for the women’s 200m and relay squad after a breakthrough season. Eduan recently claimed the UK title over 200m and continues to establish herself as one of Britain’s most exciting sprint talents. The former Sale Harriers athlete’s journey from local school athletics in north Manchester to the international stage reflects the strength of the city’s athlete pathway.

JONA EFOLOKO

Joining her in Team England colours is Jona Efoloko, who trains and competes with Sale Harriers Manchester and has been selected for the men’s 4x100m relay squad. Efoloko already has Commonwealth Games pedigree, having helped England secure relay gold at Birmingham 2022. His selection adds further Manchester representation to a squad packed with international experience and medal potential.

ELLIOT JONES

Also selected for Team England is Elliot Jones, who will compete as part of the men’s 4x100m relay squad. Born in Manchester, Jones has enjoyed a rapid rise through the sprinting ranks, earning his first senior Great Britain appearance at the 2026 World Relays before securing Commonwealth Games selection. Four years ago he watched Birmingham 2022 from the stands; this summer he will take his place on the track, providing another example of Manchester talent progressing to the highest level of international

GEORGIA HUNTER-BELL

Manchester’s influence extends beyond athletes born in the city. Georgia Hunter-Bell, selected for the women’s 800m, has strong links to the city through M11 Track Club, the renowned training group based in Manchester that has become one of the most successful middle-distance environments in the country. Her selection highlights Manchester’s continued role as a centre of excellence for athletics and athlete development.

A CITY ALIVE WITH SPORT

The city’s connection with the Commonwealth Games extends far beyond one summer of sport. The venues and infrastructure created for the 2002 Games continue to sit at the heart of the city’s sporting ecosystem, with facilities such as the Manchester Regional Arena, National Squash Centre and Manchester Aquatics Centre still nurturing future generations of athletes while giving local communities more opportunities to be active.

The National Cycling Centre remains the jewel in Manchester’s crown and one of the most important venues in British sport. As the home of British Cycling and a world-class training base for many of the nation’s leading track and para-cyclists, it continues to provide the high-performance environment in which athletes can develop, refine their skills and prepare for international competition. From emerging young riders to Olympic and world medallists, the Centre continues to play a vital role in supporting athletes on their journey to Commonwealth Games selection.

More than two decades on, the legacy of Manchester 2002 is still delivering success stories. From community participation programmes to elite training environments, the foundations laid by the Games have helped create the conditions for home-grown talent such as Eduan, Efoloko and Jones, as well as athletes connected to the city through clubs and training groups such as M11 Track Club, to thrive.

As Glasgow prepares to welcome athletes from across the Commonwealth, everyone connected with sport and physical activity in Manchester will be watching with pride. On behalf of the city, we wish Success, Jona, Elliot and Georgia the very best of luck as they compete on one of sport’s biggest stages and continue Manchester’s proud Commonwealth journey.