Manx athletes are preparing to represent the Isle of Man against competitors from across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Games, featuring approximately 3,000 competitors from 74 nations, is scheduled to take place in Glasgow between 23 July and 2 August.
The event was initially planned for Victoria, Australia, but was moved due to rising costs.
Kinley’s ‘Full Circle Moment’
For Laura Kinley, a four-time competitor, the 2026 event in Glasgow marks a “full circle moment,” as her first games were also held in the Scottish city.
Kinley is among the 22 athletes selected to represent the island.
“It’s always so exciting and I’m always so proud to be representing of the Isle of Man,” she said.
“Now, I think because it’s been 12 years since my first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it feels a bit of a full circle moment, going back there again.”
The 30-year-old will be competing in the 50m and 100m breaststroke classes.
She said that she didn’t think she would compete in swimming again due to a shoulder injury about 18 months ago.
“So the fact that I’ve come back out of that the other side, it’s kind of a relief to be picked, but special to have the opportunity again.
“I think that’s kind of pushed me maybe a little bit more this time to try to get back on the team again.
“It almost feels a little bit more special now.”
Kinley has competed for the island at three previous games, including the 2022 event in Birmingham.
Reflecting on being a flag bearer at the last games in Birmingham alongside cyclist Mark Cavendish, she said the experience was “a bit surreal” but had made it “even more special”.
“He was always like an idol and a role model in sport for me growing up, kind of showing that being from the Isle of Man you can go out there and compete on the big stage and be competitive against all the other big countries,” she said.
Eyres to Make Games Debut
Harry Eyres is among those heading to the games for the first time, competing in the all-round gymnastics competition.
The 20-year-old Leeds University student said he had been doing the sport “ever since I can remember” and being selected for the team was a “big relief” after the work that he had put in.
“It was a great moment and some weight off the shoulders, but the work’s not done yet,” he said.
“I’ve still got an extra two-and-a-half months until the games now, so I’ve got to really start preparing for it and making the most out of a good opportunity.”
He said taking part in the last Island Games in Orkney, where he secured gold, silver and bronze medals, was a “really
Manx athletes at the top of their fields are preparing to put on the Isle of Man colours to represent their country against some of the best competitors in the Commonwealth.