Olivia Breen, a distinguished double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, is set to captain Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 29-year-old will lead a delegation of 115 athletes as they compete across 10 different sports from 23rd July to 2nd August.
This appointment marks Breen's fourth appearance at the Commonwealth Games, a testament to her enduring presence and success in para-athletics. Her previous achievements include securing a gold medal in the T38 100m event at Birmingham 2022. Prior to that, at the Gold Coast Games in 2018, she claimed a bronze in the T38 100m and a gold in the T38 long jump, showcasing her versatility and dominance across multiple disciplines.
Reacting to the announcement, Breen expressed her immense pride, stating, "It means so much. I can't wait to see Team Wales do everything to make everyone in Wales proud." She further highlighted the significance of this role, adding, "Wales is a big part of me and I was team captain for the athletics team but obviously being captain for the whole Wales team, it's just mind blowing." Beyond her Commonwealth successes, Breen also boasts two Paralympic bronze medals, earned in the T35-38 4x100m relay at London 2012 and the T38 long jump at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
Gethin Jones, Team Wales' Chef de Mission, elaborated on the decision to select Breen as captain. He emphasised that the choice was not solely based on her athletic achievements but also on her character and positive influence within the team. "It's not just about success, it's the way she is," Jones remarked. "She's amazing with the team, she's always got a smile on her face, she really believes in Wales and I think she's the perfect choice."
The Team Wales contingent for Glasgow 2026 is notably diverse, comprising 67 female and 48 male competitors. The age range of the athletes is broad, spanning from 16 to 73 years old, reflecting a wide spectrum of experience and emerging talent within Welsh sport. This blend of youth and veteran athletes, led by an inspirational figure like Breen, aims to represent Wales with distinction on the international stage.
Source: Team Wales