With Glasgow 2026 getting underway on 23 July, 14 members of the Ulster University community are set to compete across athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, netball and bowls on one of the biggest stages in international sport.
Kate O'Connor: Commonwealth medallist returns for Glasgow
Fresh from a remarkable breakthrough year, 2025 MSc Communication & PR graduate and former Ulster University sport scholar Kate O'Connor heads to Glasgow as one of Team NI's standout athletes, previously winning silver at Birmingham 2022. The heptathlete enjoyed a sensational 2025 season, winning four senior international medals and firmly establishing herself among the world's leading combined-event competitors.
Nick Griggs: Distance running star on the rise
Sport & Exercise Sciences student and current Ulster University sport scholar Nick Griggs will line up in the men's 5,000m. One of Ireland's most exciting distance runners, Nick has enjoyed a rapid rise through the international ranks and will make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow.
Rhys McClenaghan BEM: Champion gymnast ready to shine
Honorary graduate Rhys McClenaghan returns to the Commonwealth stage in the pommel horse competition. One of Northern Ireland's most decorated athletes, Rhys continues to inspire fans around the world through his remarkable achievements in gymnastics and remains a major contender whenever he steps onto the international stage.
Danielle Hill: Back in the pool
Recent MSc Strength & Conditioning graduate and former Ulster University sport scholar Danielle Hill will compete in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke events. A familiar face on the international swimming circuit, Danielle brings a wealth of experience to Team NI as she targets further success in Commonwealth competition.
Jack McMillan: Freestyle specialist
Sport & Exercise Sciences graduate and former Ulster University sport scholar Jack McMillan will represent Team NI in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events. Having competed at the highest level of international swimming and achieved World Championship and Olympic Games gold medals, Jack continues to be one of Northern Ireland's leading performers in the pool.
Victoria Catterson: Relay hopes
Accounting (Pathways) graduate and former Ulster University sport scholar Victoria Catterson has been selected for the women's 4x100m relay squad. Victoria has represented Northern Ireland and Ireland at major international competitions and returns to the Commonwealth stage aiming for more success.
Lottie Cullen and Alana Burns-Atkin: Swimming's next generation
Current students and Ulster University sport scholars Lottie Cullen and Alana Burns-Atkin add further Ulster University representation in the pool. Lottie will contest the 100m and 200m backstroke events, while Alana has been selected for the women's 4x100m relay team.
Team NI boxers ready for action
Three Ulster University athletes will step into the ring in Glasgow.
Sports Studies student Caitlin Fryers will compete in the 51kg division, MSc Coaching & Performance student and current Ulster University sport scholar Jon McConnell will box at 70kg, and Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering graduate William John McCartan has been selected in the 90kg+ category.
Bowls duo target success
Former Ulster University sport scholar Graduate Adam McKeown and current Ulster University sport scholar and Nursing student Chloe Wilson will represent Team NI in the indoor bowls pairs competition, with matches taking place throughout the Games.
Georgie McGrath joins Team NI netball squad
Sport & Exercise Sciences graduate Georgie McGrath has been selected for Team NI's netball squad and will compete throughout the tournament as Northern Ireland takes on the Commonwealth's leading nations.
Dr Nigel Dobson, Head of Sports Services, said:
"It is wonderful to be able to support our students, graduates and honorary graduates who have earned selection for Team Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games. Their dedication, commitment and resilience are a testament to the high-performance environment and support network available at Ulster University.
"On behalf of the entire Ulster University community, I would like to wish them every success in Glasgow. We look forward to following their journeys and celebrating their achievements on the international stage."
As these athletes prepare to compete for Team NI, Glasgow 2026 will showcase their talent, determination and ambition, while highlighting Ulster University's continued commitment to supporting sporting excellence.
Watch out for them:
23 July – 2 August
- Indoor Bowls (Adam McKeown and Chloe Wilson)
24 – 29 July
- Swimming (Lottie Cullen, Alana Burns-Atkin, Danielle Hill, Jack McMillan and Victoria Catterson)
24 – 28 July
- Gymnastics (Rhys McClenaghan)
24 July – 2 August
- Boxing (Caitlin Fryers, Jon McConnell and William John McCartan)
25 July – 2 August
- Netball (Georgie McGrath)
27 July – 1 August
- Athletics (Kate O'Connor and Nick Griggs)
Find out more:
You can follow the progress of Team Northern Ireland athletes throughout the Games on the official Glasgow 2026 website and day-by-day event schedule.
