Island coach welcomes the promise of Glasgow 2026

Swimming and athletics are currently the only confirmed sports among the 10 total set to feature at the scaled-down Games, giving the island’s top competitors a firm focus for the year.

Unsurprisingly, Barracudas and Island coach Sara Parfit has welcomed the news that Glasgow has received backing to host.

‘From the point of view of swimming, as it’s a core sport, we’re delighted because we have been guaranteed the spot,’ she said.

‘We are very happy about that.’

The Scottish city perhaps does not carry the tourism appeal of Victoria – the original hosts prior to their shock withdrawal last July – but Parfit has highlighted the benefits of being a home nation in Games such as these.

She called the support at Birmingham 2022 ‘incredible’ and would like Glasgow 2026 to repeat this.

‘We love to go somewhere like Australia or those faraway places, but at the same time we do not get the sort of support we get close to home.

‘I’m hoping that in Glasgow we get the same sort of support.’

Some uncertainty still remains over how many swimmers they will be able to send to a scaled-down Games. Parfit did say it would be good to once again see Guernsey teams in the relays, as in Birmingham.

But Parfit has already been putting her mind to the qualifying criteria, with the battle for places set to begin in 2025.

‘That will be the focus, along with the Island Games.

‘Next year is going to be quite a big year, I would suggest.

‘We embrace it and we love it – that’s why we do it, really.

‘I’ve spoken to the swimmers and all those who are potentially looking at trying to gain a place for Glasgow are very excited.’

Even in large sports like cycling and bowls, where Guernsey is well-represented, plenty of uncertainty remains.

The cycling road race – which has featured at every Commonwealths – is understood to be in jeopardy as organisers eye a compact, four-venue model in Glasgow.

No other cycling disciplines have been yet confirmed.

Guernsey Velo Club president Alex Margison is among the many who have been left awaiting updates on cycling’s position.

‘It’s currently the highest level that our riders can aim at as a team,’ he said.

‘It’s a step up and above the level at the Island Games and I would be keen for it to continue as an event.

‘I would always like to see cyclists representing Guernsey at the Commonwealth Games if possible.’

But he added that the club have been in discussion with British Cycling about possible alternative events for team Guernsey.

Lucy Beere, the woman who ended Guernsey’s 28-year medal drought at Birmingham 2022, has been vocal in her hopes that bowls will feature.

‘Fingers crossed for bowls to be included,’ she said in a social media post.