At the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Judo delivered everything fans could have hoped for. World class technique, unforgettable contests, emotional podium moments and an outstanding performance from athletes representing the Home Nations.
Competing in front of passionate home crowds, judoka from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland produced a remarkable medal haul, showcasing the incredible strength and depth of British Judo. From experienced Commonwealth champions successfully defending their titles to exciting newcomers making an immediate impact on their Games debut, Glasgow provided countless moments to remember.
🥇 Golden Moments
Acelya Toprak (-57kg, England)
Acelya Toprak completed a fantastic Commonwealth Games journey by upgrading the silver medal she won in Birmingham 2022 to gold in Glasgow. Four years after narrowly missing the top step of the podium, Toprak delivered a composed and confident performance throughout the competition to become Commonwealth champion. Her victory also marked the first gold medal won by a Home Nations judoka at Glasgow 2026, setting the tone for an exceptional weekend.
Kelly Petersen-Pollard (-70kg, England)
Kelly Petersen-Pollard continued her impressive international career by adding Commonwealth Games gold to an already outstanding list of achievements. After winning bronze at Birmingham 2022, Petersen-Pollard returned stronger than ever and produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, defeating top seed and world No. 2 Aoife Coughlan (Australia) to claim the title.
Ethan Nairne (-73kg, England)
Making his Commonwealth Games debut, Ethan Nairne announced himself on the biggest stage in spectacular fashion. His gold medal came after an unforgettable all England final against teammate Ben Levy, with a stunning yuko-scoring throw proving the difference between the pair. Ethan’s success also continued the Nairne family’s proud Commonwealth medal tradition, following sister Lele’s bronze medal in the competition.
Emma Reid (-78kg, England)
Emma Reid successfully defended the Commonwealth title she first won in Birmingham, proving once again why she is one of Britain’s leading judoka. Her victory over Australia’s Maria Swan secured back to back Commonwealth Games gold medals. An achievement that reflects her consistency at the highest level and her continued rise among the world’s elite competitors.
🥈 Silver Success
Ben Levy (-73kg, England)
Although he narrowly missed gold in an all England final, Ben Levy enjoyed an outstanding Commonwealth Games debut. Claiming silver at his first Games is a remarkable achievement and demonstrates the exciting future ahead for one of England’s brightest talents.
Max Gregory (-100kg, England)
Another athlete making his Commonwealth Games debut, Max Gregory fought superbly throughout the day before earning a well deserved silver medal. Only Canada’s experienced Kyle Reyes prevented Gregory from standing on the top step of the podium but, his performances showed he belongs among the very best.
🥉 Bronze Medal Heroes
Summer Shaw (-48kg, Scotland)
Competing on home soil, Scotland’s Summer Shaw became the first Home Nations medallist of the Judo competition. Winning bronze on her Commonwealth Games debut in front of a Scottish crowd made the achievement even more special and provided one of the tournament’s earliest highlights.
Tatum Keen (-52kg, England)
Tatum Keen battled through a fiercely contested draw before defeating fellow Home Nations competitor Lola Hodson of Wales to secure bronze on her Games debut.
Lele Nairne (-57kg, England)
Four years after finishing fifth at Birmingham 2022, Lele Nairne returned stronger than ever. A huge match winning throw secured her first Commonwealth medal and completed a memorable weekend for the Nairne family alongside brother Ethan’s gold.
Charlie Ayre (-60kg, England)
Charlie Ayre enjoyed an excellent Commonwealth Games debut, claiming bronze and reaching another significant milestone in his rapidly developing career.
Michael Fryer (-66kg, England)
Michael Fryer produced a composed performance throughout the tournament before earning bronze with an impressive display in the medal contest.
Jemima Yeats-Brown (-70kg, England)
Experience once again proved invaluable for Jemima Yeats-Brown. Her bronze medal was the third Commonwealth medal of her career, remarkably won in Glasgow, the very same city where she claimed her first Commonwealth podium finish twelve years earlier.
Rachael Hawkes (-70kg, Northern Ireland)
After narrowly missing out on a medal at Birmingham 2022, Northern Ireland’s Rachael Hawkes bounced back in style. Her determined victory over Canada’s Charlie Thibault secured the first Commonwealth medal of her career and highlighted her resilience and perseverance.
Joshua Green (-73kg, Northern Ireland)
Joshua Green also made amends for a fifth-place finish in Birmingham by earning a well deserved bronze medal in Glasgow. His persistence over the past four years was rewarded with a memorable podium finish.
Jamal Petgrave (-90kg, England)
Already a Commonwealth champion from Birmingham 2022, Jamal Petgrave once again demonstrated his quality by adding bronze to his growing collection of international medals. His victory over New Zealand’s Noah Wallis ensured another Commonwealth podium finish and further cemented his status as one of England’s most experienced competitors.
Scott Cusack (-90kg, Scotland)
Competing in front of a home crowd, Scott Cusack secured his first Commonwealth Games medal. His bronze continued a proud family tradition of Commonwealth representation and provided Scottish supporters with another memorable moment to celebrate.
A Fantastic Weekend for the Home Nations
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games demonstrated the strength of Judo across the Home Nations.
England once again showcased exceptional depth across multiple weight categories, producing champions, experienced international medalists and exciting newcomers. Scotland thrilled home supporters with memorable podium finishes while, Northern Ireland celebrated long awaited Commonwealth success through determined and inspiring performances.
What stood out most wasn’t just the number of medals won but, the variety of stories behind them. There were athletes defending titles, siblings sharing podium success, competitors returning stronger after previous disappointment and debutants proving they belong on the international stage. With established stars continuing to deliver and a new generation announcing themselves with confidence, the future of British Judo looks incredibly bright.
Congratulations to every judoka who represented their nation in Glasgow. Whether you returned home with a medal or not, your commitment, resilience and sportsmanship have inspired clubs, coaches and the next generation of judoka across the UK. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
