Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matthew Cowdrey OAM PLY will join the Team Executive of the 2026 Australian Commonwealth Games Team, following his appointment as Deputy Chef de Mission.

Cowdrey is one of Australia’s most decorated swimmers, having represented Australia with great distinction at three Commonwealth Games (2006, 2010, 2014) and three Paralympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012), winning a total of 27 medals.

Cowdrey’s appointment as Deputy Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026 follows previous appointments as Australian Team General Manager for both the Samoa 2015 and Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

“It’s an honour to be named as a Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2026 Australian Commonwealth Games Team,” Cowdrey said.

“The Commonwealth Games have always held a special place in Australian sport and represent a chance for athletes to wear the green and gold, compete with pride and make lifelong memories.

“There’s a lot to look forward to as we build towards 2026 and I look forward to working with Petria and my fellow Deputies to build a performance focused and positive environment for all our Team Members.”

Commonwealth Games Australia Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY warmly welcomed Cowdrey back to the Commonwealth Games family.

“I’m delighted to welcome Matt to the Team, following his experiences as both an athlete and as Australian Team General Manager at the Commonwealth Youth Games,” Thomas said.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and to have a person of his calibre and experience is of great benefit to myself, the broader Team Executive and the wider Australian Team.”

Cowdrey joins fellow Deputies Katrina Webb OAM PLY and Damian Brown OLY, as well as General Manager Team Performance and Delivery Robin O’Neill, in supporting Thomas in leading the 2026 Australian Commonwealth Games Team.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.