Eilish McColgan becomes the first ambassador of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Picture: Eilish McColgan/Facebook

Dundee-born athletics star Eilish McColgan has been unveiled as the first official Games Ambassador for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a major milestone with just one year to go until the international sporting spectacle returns to Scotland.

A proud Dundonian and one of Scotland’s most successful distance runners, McColgan’s rise to global recognition has been closely followed and celebrated in her home city.

Her journey through the Commonwealth Games is legendary – beginning with the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, followed by her senior debut in the steeplechase at Glasgow 2014, and medal-winning performances at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.

However, it was at the Birmingham 2022 Games where she truly made history. In an unforgettable race, McColgan stormed to gold in the 10,000m, delivering a performance that echoed her mother Liz McColgan’s own Commonwealth triumph over the same distance in 1986.

Eilish also claimed silver in the 5,000m, securing Team Scotland’s 500th medal at the Games and earning the honour of being Scotland’s Closing Ceremony flag bearer.

Now, McColgan is taking on a new challenge – this time off the track – as she becomes a leading face of the Glasgow 2026 Games. As an official Games Ambassador, she will work to inspire communities, engage with athletes, and raise awareness across Scotland and the wider Commonwealth in the lead-up to the event.

“I am very excited that I am one of the first Ambassadors for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” McColgan said. “The Commonwealth Games is incredibly special to myself and my family. My grandparents were in the stadium in 1986 cheering my mum onto gold over the 10,000m in Edinburgh, and then being able to replicate that myself in Birmingham 2022 with my mum and dad in the stands cheering me on was an incredible moment. I’m very excited that Scotland will be hosting another Commonwealth Games next year.”

McColgan’s ambassadorial role is also a moment of pride for Dundee, where her achievements have long inspired young athletes and locals alike. With strong roots in the city, she continues to be a role model not just for aspiring sports stars, but for the wider community.

Her appointment adds to the growing momentum around Glasgow 2026, which will bring 11 days of elite sport and cultural celebration to Scotland. As she once rewrote history on the track, Eilish McColgan now helps shape the future of the Games - with Dundee right behind her every step of the way.