Australia’s biggest ever Para-athletics team for a Commonwealth Games is reflective of two things. The first is an undeniable rising crop of talent, and the second is the backing of Commonwealth Games Australia through initiatives like Green2Gold2Great.
The team of 24 for Glasgow features 16 debutants, including Archie Hewett (1500m T20), Aimee Fisher (400m T54) and Mikeala Dingley (1500m T54) who were all assisted in their qualification bids by a trip to the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix in February.
Supported by Commonwealth Games Australia’s Green2Gold2Great Initiative, Australian Athletics sent five athletes to the event to bolster the 2026 Commonwealth Games team, successfully qualifying a maximum of three of the athletes for Glasgow.
Philo Saunders led the team as Australian Athletics’ Para Distance Coach, where Hewett was able to access international classification alongside Zachary Barwell (1500m T20) and Laurie Tod (1500m T20).
Hewett prevailed in the race for Glasgow, marking the tour as not only a pivotal step in his Commonwealth Games selection, but so too a valuable international racing experience that has him primed to don the green and gold this July.
“Dubai helped and taught me a lot. I got used to traveling and being able to recover from a bit of jet lag. It also taught me that results aren’t everything and sometimes it’s just about how much fun you had,” Hewett said.
“I also led the race for the first kilometre which was a little stressful as I wasn’t the quickest in the race, but it taught me to relax and just worry about what I can do.
“It was really cool staying with all the other people from different countries and seeing how they do things. It was a huge opportunity and I am very grateful for the experience.”
Australian Athletics Head of Para Program, Steve Caddy noted the significance of the support in continuing the nation’s track record of supporting as many athletes as possible to be eligible for major championship selection.
“The CGA funding to support our athletes to attend the Dubai WPA Grand Prix was imperative in our ambitions to send a record-breaking team to Glasgow,” Caddy said.
“This support enabled us to secure the qualification of two of our athletes, and ensure that another three, all of whom were vying for the same individual slot, were eligible for qualification and selection by accessing international classification.
“The total team size of 24 Para-athletes has smashed Australia’s previous best and it is going to be a vital competition for all those selected to inspire the nation as we look to expand Australia’s Para-athletics footprint.”
Announced in 2023, Commonwealth Games Australia’s Green2Gold2Great Initiative is a $13 million pledge to bespoke sport initiatives and direct athlete support, aimed at delivering team success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 30/5/2026
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