A history-maker and 16 debutants headline Australia’s 24-strong Para Athletics squad, set to represent Australia at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Led by Angela Ballard (T54 400m, T54 1500m), who will make history as the first Para athlete to compete at five Commonwealth Games, the squad brings together both youth and experience from an ever-growing exciting cohort of track and field talent.
Ballard said returning for a milestone Games is one of the many highlights in her career, having won a gold medal at Glasgow 2014 as well as silver at both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
“To still be competing at this level after so many years means a great deal to me,” Ballard said.
“Each Commonwealth Games has its own challenges and memories, and I’m looking forward to embracing the opportunity in Glasgow and giving everything I have for the team once again.”
Rhiannon Clarke (T38 100m, T38 200m) is set to chase a rare piece of Commonwealth Games history in Glasgow, aiming to become a three-time medallist in the short sprint after previously winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Australian sprinter has been a consistent force on the international stage, building a strong Commonwealth Games record across two editions and now targeting a breakthrough gold in Glasgow.
Clarke said she is motivated to convert her previous performances into the top step of the podium in Glasgow.
“Going into Glasgow, the goal is simple. I want to go out there, give it my all and turn my silver and bronze into two golds,” Clarke said.
“I’m proud of my previous medal winning performances, but I know I still have more to give.”
Jaydon Page (T47 100m), a silver medallist at the Brimingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, also said he is motivated to go one better in Glasgow.
“Winning silver in Birmingham was an incredible experience, but it’s definitely given me the drive to push even harder,” Page said.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to turn that into gold in Glasgow and make the most of this opportunity.”
The squad additionally includes rising star Lexie Brown (T47 100m), who continues her rapid ascent in Para Athletics following strong domestic performances.
Brown is regarded as one of the most promising young athletes in Australian Athletics’ Para program, with selection a major milestone in her development as an elite athlete.
“I’m really proud to be selected for my first Commonwealth Games,” Brown said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, race against the best and continue building my experience on the international stage. I’m excited for what’s ahead in Glasgow.”
Australian Team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY said the announcement marks the first step towards Glasgow.
“The rise of Australian Athletics spans the sport holistically, and the 24 Para athletes selected today are resilient, determined and world-class,” Thomas said.
“The continued integration of Para sport events into the Commonwealth Games program reflects how far we’ve come since the inclusion of Para exhibition events in three sports at the Victoria 1994 Games.
“This integration is truly unique in world sport, and our Para Athletics team is ready to embrace that stage and inspire audiences both at home and around the globe.”
Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said the squad highlights the strength of the nation’s Para Athletics system.
“This team is a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches and support staff, who continue to drive the standard of Para Athletics higher each year,” Hollingsworth said.
“We’ve built a strong and sustainable pathway, and the athletes selected for Glasgow have earned their place through consistent performance and commitment.
“We’re excited to see what they can achieve on the Commonwealth stage.”
The Para Athletics team will play a key role in Australia’s broader campaign in Glasgow, aiming to deliver strong performances and inspire audiences both at home and abroad.
AUSTRALIAN PARA ATHLETICS TEAM – GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
| NAME | EVENT | AGE | STATE | COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliza Ault-Connell | Women's 400m T54, Women's 1500m T54 | 44 | ACT | Gold Coast 2018 - silver medallist |
| Angela Ballard | Women's 400m T54, Women's 1500m T54 | 43 | ACT | Melbourne 2006; Glasgow 2014 – gold medallist; Gold Coast 2018 – silver medallist; Brimingham 2022 – silver medallist |
| Briseis Brittan | Women's 200m T38 | 17 | NT | Debut |
| Lexie Brown | Women's 100m T47 | 14 | NSW | Debut |
| Michal Burian | Men's Discus F42-44/F61-64 | 33 | VIC | Debut |
| Samuel Carter | Men's 1500m T54 | 34 | ACT | Birmingham 2022 - bronze medallist |
| Julie Charlton | Women's Shot Put F57 | 26 | NSW | Birmingham 2022 |
| Rhiannon Clarke | Women's 100m T38, Women's 200m T38 | 23 | WA | Gold Coast 2018 - silver medallist; Birmingham 2022 - bronze medallist |
| Mikaela Dingley | Women's 1500m T54 | 31 | ACT | Debut |
| Aimee Fisher | Women's 400m T54 | 24 | NSW | Debut |
| Lindsey Hendy | Men's Long Jump T20 | 28 | QLD | Debut |
| Archer Hewett | Men's 1500m T20 | 19 | VIC | Debut |
| Ainsley Hooker | Women's Shot Put F57 | 39 | QLD | Debut |
| Nathan Jason | Men's 100m T12 | 23 | QLD | Debut |
| Alya Kowalczyk | Women's Long Jump T38 | 15 | NSW | Debut |
| Thomas McGough | Men's 100m T38 | 15 | VIC | Debut |
| Daniel Milone | Men's 1500m T20 | 25 | VIC | Debut |
| Ullrich Muller | Men's 100m T38 | 19 | QLD | Debut |
| Sienna Newton | Women's Long Jump T38 | 19 | NSW | Debut |
| Jaydon Page | Men's 100m T47 | 21 | ACT | Birmingham 2022 - silver medallist |
| Ella Pardy | Women's 100m T38 | 35 | WA | Glasgow 2014; Gold Coast 2018; Birmingham 2022 |
| Samuel Rizzo | Men's 1500m T54 | 25 | VIC | Gold Coast 2018 |
| Layla Sharp | Women's Long Jump T38 | 18 | NSW | Debut |
| Matthew Sheppard | Men's Shot Put F57 | 37 | QLD | Debut |
Athletics has been held at every Commonwealth Games since they were first held in 1930. Para Athletics were added to the program at the Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games, then returning at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Madison de Rozario is Australia’s most successful Para Athletics athlete at the Commonwealth Games, holding the record with four gold medals across her career.
Her achievements include making history at the Birmingham 2022 Games, where she became the first Australian Para athlete to win four Commonwealth Games gold medals, cementing her status as one of the nation’s standout performers on the international stage.
The selection announcement today is the second of three for Australian Athletics at Glasgow 2026, with the remaining able-bodied athletes to be selected after the close of the nomination period on 31 May.
