Paralympic champions Faye Rogers, Toni Shaw, and brothers James and Stephen Clegg lead a formidable seven-member Scottish Para-swimming squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Joining these decorated athletes are world championship medalists Astrid Carroll and Sam Downie, along with national champion Ollie Carter, forming what promises to be one of Scotland's strongest Para-swimming contingents in recent history.
Rogers, 23, fresh from her gold medal victory in the 100m butterfly S10 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, will make her Commonwealth Games debut alongside Shaw, 22, who brings both Paralympic bronze from Tokyo 2020 and Commonwealth bronze from Birmingham 2022. The Clegg brothers, James (32) and Stephen (30), collectively boast six Paralympic medals, with Stephen's recent double gold in Paris highlighting their continued dominance.
"To have a home Games is such a rare opportunity," said Stephen Clegg. "To have a crowd that is there for you is really special. As I've gotten older, I've learned to use the crowd in a much more effective way, and I think the atmosphere in Glasgow is going to be huge."
Rogers echoed the excitement about competing before a home crowd: "I feel very fortunate to get a home Games. I am most excited about it being in Glasgow and Scotland so that my family can come."
The team's depth extends beyond its Paralympic veterans. Carroll, still in her teens, captured silver and bronze at last year's World Championships in Singapore, while 20-year-old Downie claimed gold at the 2023 World Championships in Manchester. Carter brings championship experience from multiple BUCS Swimming Championships victories.
Team Scotland chef de mission Elinor Middlemiss praised the squad's composition: "There is a huge amount of experience in this Para-swimming team, in both our returning athletes and those making their Commonwealth Games debut. I look forward to watching these athletes deliver what I'm sure will be strong performances in Glasgow and wish them every success."
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will mark a significant homecoming for Scottish Para-swimming, with events scheduled at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, where athletes will compete before what's expected to be passionate local support.