VISIT HOME

The team highlights the depth of talent within Welsh judo, combining experienced Commonwealth Games competitors, athletes from the World Class Performance Programme, British champions, international medal winners, and some of the nation’s most promising rising stars.

Team Wales has officially confirmed the eight judoka who will represent the nation at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, showcasing a talented mix of experienced competitors, British champions, international medalists, and rising stars from across Welsh judo.

The selected squad reflects the continued growth and strength of the sport in Wales, with athletes who have consistently delivered impressive performances at both domestic and international levels. The team includes members of Great Britain’s World Class Performance Programme as well as several athletes making their Commonwealth Games debuts.

Powell Confident Ahead of Glasgow Challenge:

Commonwealth Games Performance Coach Natalie Powell praised the athletes following their selection, describing the opportunity to compete at the Games as a reward for years of dedication, hard work, and commitment.

Powell highlighted the confidence and ambition within the squad, noting that many of the athletes have built strong momentum through recent international competitions. She expressed optimism about the team’s prospects in Glasgow and emphasized the pride they will carry while representing Wales on one of sport’s biggest stages.

According to Powell, the future of Welsh judo remains extremely promising, with the selected athletes demonstrating both the talent and determination needed to compete against some of the Commonwealth’s best competitors.

Experienced Leaders and Emerging Stars:

Leading the Welsh team is Oliver Barratt in the Under-100kg category. The Dragons Academy judoka arrives with significant international experience, having represented Great Britain at both European and World Championships. Barratt heads to Glasgow as the reigning British Senior Champion and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading senior competitors.

Ashleigh Barnikel will make her second Commonwealth Games appearance after previously representing Wales at Birmingham 2022. Competing in the Under-48kg division, Barnikel has enjoyed consistent success on the international circuit, securing multiple medals at Continental Open tournaments in recent years.

Another athlete expected to make an impact is Holly Devall, who competes in the Under-70kg category. The Dragons Academy judoka has built a strong reputation through a series of impressive international performances and Continental Open medal-winning displays, earning her first Commonwealth Games selection.

Young Talent Ready for the Big Stage

Among the most exciting prospects in the squad is Lola Hodson. The Under-52kg competitor has enjoyed success across cadet, junior, and senior competitions and is currently both the British Junior and Senior Champion. A member of the GB World Class Performance Programme, Hodson also secured a fifth-place finish at the 2025 Junior European Championships and is considered one of the world’s leading junior athletes.

Millie Bayliss has also earned her place in the squad following a series of strong performances. The Under-63kg judoka has continued her rapid rise through the ranks, adding international medals to her achievements as a British Junior Champion.

Strong Men’s Team Selected

Ben Moore will make his Commonwealth Games debut in the Under-73kg division after enjoying a breakthrough year at senior level. The Bradley Stoke, Silverbacks, and Craig Ewers Academy athlete has impressed on the Continental Open circuit and established himself as one of Wales’ leading male judoka.

Competing in the Over-100kg category, Josh Whitehouse heads to Glasgow following a highly successful period in his career. The 2025 British Senior Champion has continued to build momentum internationally and will be looking to transfer that form onto the Commonwealth stage.

Completing the men’s lineup is Joshua Bell in the Under-66kg division. Bell has steadily strengthened his international profile through a number of medal-winning performances and earned his selection through consistent progress on the international circuit.

Welsh Judo Looks Ahead

The Welsh Judo Association and British Judo Association have congratulated all eight athletes on their selection, while also recognizing the important contributions made by coaches, clubs, families, and support teams throughout the athletes’ development.

With a balanced squad featuring proven performers and emerging stars, Team Wales will travel to Glasgow with high hopes of making a significant impact when the Commonwealth Games begin in 2026.

Team Wales Judo Squad – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Women’s Team

• Ashleigh Barnikel (U48kg)

• Lola Hodson (U52kg)

• Millie Bayliss (U63kg)

• Holly Devall (U70kg)

Men’s Team

• Joshua Bell (U66kg)
• Ben Moore (U73kg)
• Oliver Barratt (U100kg)
• Joshua Whitehouse (+100kg)

The squad will now continue preparations as they aim to compete for medals and represent Wales with pride on the international stage in Glasgow.