As momentum continues to build ahead of Glasgow 2026 this summer, we want to embrace the theme of #GiveToGain this International Women’s Day and celebrate the incredible Scottish female judo medallists from Commonwealth Games past. These individuals continue to break down barriers, inspire change, and understand first-hand the power of investing in and supporting future generations of female judoka in Scotland.
After being included in the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh as a demonstration sport, judo has proudly featured in four Commonwealth Games over the decades with Team Scotland securing medal success at each one. At every stage of that journey, Scotland’s female judoka have not only delivered podium performances but helped build a stronger pathway for the young women now coming through the sport.
Auckland 1990
The 1990 Games in Auckland marked a historic milestone as the first Commonwealth Games to feature judo and our female judoka made an immediate impact. Loretta Doyle led the way with a gold medal in the -56kg category. With World and European Champion titles already in hand, Loretta’s influence has continued far beyond her competitive career. Serving as a regular commentator for the EJU and IJF Media teams and holding senior leadership roles across the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the Birmingham 2022 and Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games environments, she continues to raise the visibility of the sport.
Scotland’s medal success was further strengthened by Claire Shiach, who secured silver in the -52kg division and she has since become a key figure in athlete development. Recently recognised as JudoScotland’s Performance Pathway Coach of the Year for her coaching work at Pro Judo, Claire now plays a direct role in nurturing young Scottish talent and strengthening the pathway for aspiring female athletes. Donna Robertson added bronze in the -48kg category, completing a remarkable debut for Scottish women in Commonwealth judo and setting the standard for generations to follow.
Manchester 2002
At the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, Scotland’s female judoka delivered another impressive medal haul, showcasing depth across the weight categories. Jenni Brien secured silver in the -57kg division, while Sarah Clark added another silver in the -63kg category. Sarah Clark has since continued to shape the sport off the mat as CEO of Edinburgh Judo Club, previously serving on the JudoScotland Board and working as an athlete mentor with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. Through these roles, she has directly supported and guided the next generation of female judoka, ensuring that success on the mat manifests into opportunity off it.
Bronze medals followed across the programme: Stephanie Hart in the +78kg category, Fiona Robertson in the -48kg division, Karen Cusack in the -52kg class, and Amanda Costello in the -70kg category. Together, their performances in Manchester marked another significant chapter in the growing legacy of Scottish judoka in the Commonwealth.
Glasgow 2014
The Glasgow Games will forever be remembered within Scotland’s judo community as a moment in time of judo excellence, with 13 of a possible 14 medals secured, with all seven of the female judoka stepping onto a podium.
Sarah Clark claimed gold in the -63kg category, completing a remarkable journey by upgrading the silver she had won 12 years earlier. Golden sisters Kimberley (-48kg) and Louise (-52kg) Renicks shared an impactful medal achievement that now sits alongside their work giving back to the sport through their club, Kanokwai Judo Club in their hometown, nurturing the next generation of judoka. Sarah Adlington added another gold in the +78kg division, underlining Scotland’s strength across the weight categories.
The medal momentum continued with Stephanie Inglis taking silver in the -57kg, while Connie Ramsay earned bronze in the same division. Sally Conway secured bronze in the -70kg category, adding to a distinguished career that included representing Team GB at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she claimed an Olympic bronze. Now a Head Coach with Sweden, Sally continues to influence the sport at international level, a fitting reflection of how Scotland’s female medalists continue to shape and elevate the pathway for young athletes long after their own Games have finished.
Birmingham 2022
At the most recent Games in Birmingham in 2022, Sarah Adlington made history by securing her second gold medal, becoming the most decorated Scottish Commonwealth judoka ever. Her sustained success provides a visible role model for young female judoka in Scotland, showcasing what is possible through dedication and resilience.
Bronze medals from Malin Wilson in the -57kg division and Rachel Tytler in the -78kg category ensured Scotland’s presence across the podium once again. Rachel now extends her impact beyond competition, recently joining Great Athletes a social enterprise that brings elite sportspeople into primary schools to inspire young people.
Across every Games, our female judoka have done more than win medals, they have strengthened performance pathways, taken on leadership roles, mentored young athletes and invested their time and expertise back into the sport.
As we look ahead to Glasgow 2026 this summer, their legacy reminds us that success is not only measured on the podium or medals brought home, but in the opportunities created for the future generations of females in our sport.