And swimming dominates the final squad, accounting for no fewer than 12 of the places afforded for the scaled-down Games, which will run from 23 July to 2 August.
Team Guernsey is rounded out by four competitors in the indoor bowls and two apiece in athletics and boxing.
Swimming team manager Sara Parfit intends to make the most of this glut of places, which will allow them to compete in the mixed, women’s and men’s relays.
‘I have to say I was quite bowled over, because I had requested eight places, but we did have a large number of people that had signed an intent to compete and have been working hard towards those Games places,’ she said.
‘People have had injuries and that sort of thing, and a few extra places have come about, so I was very pleased to see the council have agreed that some extra swimmers will go.’
Included in the bumper swim squad are no fewer than seven first-timers.
The other two debuting competitors, Tommy Teers and Niall Adams, both come from boxing.
Alastair Chalmers will be making his return in athletics after creating Guernsey history at Birmingham 2022, securing the island’s first track and field medal – a 400m hurdles bronze.
Although this year’s bowls competition will take place in different conditions to previous Games, being the first indoor edition, none of the team members are debuting.
However, it will be the first time Jason Greenslade has competed in Guernsey colours at the Games, having previously represented Wales and even picked up a bronze in the men’s fours at Manchester 2002.
The Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association have faced different challenges so far this cycle, with Glasgow taking on the organisation at late notice – following the Australian state of Victoria’s withdrawal as hosts – leaving many aspects running behind.
The GCGA were intent to fill all 20 allocated places for this scaled-down edition, which lacks several disciplines of significant Guernsey interest, such as badminton and non-track cycling.
Following a 14-month qualification period, the final squad selection took place this week, after which chef de mission Peter Jory has added: ‘I am extremely pleased to be able to support a wonderful group of talented athletes at the Games, and together with our general team manager, Karina Jackson, we will embrace the challenges of the multi-cultural and multi-sport Games that we expect to progress for future Games.’
Guernsey team for Glasgow 2026
Athletics: Alastair Chalmers, Abi Galpin
Bowls (Indoor): Alison Merrien MBE, Rose Ogier, Ian Merrien, Jason Greenslade
Boxing: Tommy Teers, Niall Adams
Swimming: Tatiana Tostevin, Oriana Wheeler, Orla Rabey, Delphine Riley, Emma Bourgaize, Molly Staples, Elodie Riley, Talullah-Mae Rautenbach, Charlie-Joe Hallett, Ronny Hallett, Zachary Maiden, Henry Bolton
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