Laura Muir wins 1500m gold in Birmingham in 2022 (photo by Bobby Gavin)
Belong to Glasgow: Final hurdles cleared for Commonwealth Games rescue package
Ian Beattie believes the Commonwealth Games coming back to Scotland will be hugely beneficial for athletics.
The Chair of UK Athletics, who previously had ten years in that role with scottishathletics, has been involved in the Glasgow 2026 bid process.
Now the ‘rescue package’ has been confirmed it means there will be a follow-up to Birmingham 2022 and hopes will be revived of future versions from 2030 onwards.
Team Scotland will now have to scramble quickly to create selection processes for various sports and Ian believes there will be a positive ripple effect.
‘I think the Commonwealth Games being saved and coming to Glasgow is really important news,’ Ian told us.
‘It is important for athletics across the UK in my view.
‘But I think particularly for athletes in Scotland it is a real boost – because it gives another big international opportunity to aim for and target over the next two years.
‘So this decision was vital and hopefully there can be more Commonwealth Games events happening down the line in future years.
‘It is effectively a rescue package to keep the Games on the landscape.
‘From a development perspective, for young athletes (and their coaches and clubs) in Scotland to have the goal of pulling on Team Scotland vests in front of a home crowd again is massive for the sport here.
‘I think that is where the importance of the Games and I’m delighted agreement has been reached.’
Ian Beattie (photo via Lindsays)
From a sporting perspective, Eilish McColgan also beleives the Commonwealth Games play a ‘really important’ role for young Scottish athletes.
The 33-year-old told BBC Scotland the Games provide an opportunity for them to compete on a lesser stage while still finding their way as an athlete.
‘It bridges the gap and gives athletes the opportunity to experience a multi-event Games before (hopefully) representing GB and NI at a global championships such as the World Champs or even an Olympics,’ said Eilish.
‘It’s a great pathway and stepping stone for many.’
Photo by Bobby Gavin
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