JudoScotland is delighted to share that Judoka Sarah Adlington has been selected as King’s Baton Bearer for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, which takes place at The Hydro on 23rd July.
The first Scottish judoka ever to win two Commonwealth Games gold medals, Sarah Adlington, and Team Scotland’s most successful athlete of all-time, Alex Marshall MBE have both been selected by their Team Scotland peers for the honour, which will see them carry Scotland’s King’s Baton and the Saltire into the iconic venue in front of a home crowd.
Adlington was part of the record medal haul at Glasgow 2014, where judo took an incredible 13 medals from 14 athletes, including six gold, two silver, and five bronze. She returned for judo’s next Games appearance, taking gold at Birmingham 2022 and claiming her place in the history books. She will be going for an unprecedented third gold at what will be her final Games. Her selection continues judo’s proud tradition of leading Team Scotlnd at the Games, following teammate Euan Burton, who was chosen as Scotland’s Opening Ceremony flag bearer in 2014.
Commenting on her prestigious selection, Sarah said, “I’m incredibly honoured to have been chosen as Team Scotland’s King’s Baton Bearer alongside Alex.
“Representing Scotland has always meant so much to me, so to have the opportunity to lead this team into a home Commonwealth Games is a real privilege that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“I’m really excited to lead the team into The Hydro tomorrow night and can’t wait to experience the atmosphere alongside my teammates ahead of what promises to be a very special Games.”
Glasgow will be an eighth Commonwealth Games for Marshall, matching the record for most Games appearances set by fellow bowler Willie Wood. Marshall first competed at Victoria 1994, and his five gold, one silver and one bronze across his previous seven Games appearances sit him top of Scotland’s all-time list. His first gold came alongside George Sneddon in the Pairs at Manchester 2002, and among his most memorable performances was double gold in the Pairs and Fours at Glasgow 2014.
Alex Marshall said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible moments representing Team Scotland over the years, but leading the team into a home Commonwealth Games will rank right alongside the very best of them.
“Walking into The Hydro carrying the Saltire, with the support of a Scottish crowd behind us and my family watching on will be a truly special occasion.
“It will be an absolute privilege to lead this team out with Sarah, and I know every single one of us will give everything to bring success home for Team Scotland.”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss MBE, said: “We are incredibly proud to have selected Alex and Sarah to lead Team Scotland into The Hydro.
“Both have made an outstanding contribution to Scottish sport over many years, and being chosen for a home Games makes it even more special. I wish them, and their fellow athletes, every success when competing in Glasgow.”