With Glasgow 2026 now underway, 14 members of the Ulster University community will take to one of sport's biggest stages across six disciplines.

Heptathlete Kate O'Connor, a 2025 MSc Communication & PR graduate and former Ulster University sports scholar, returns as a leading contender after silver at Birmingham 2022. Her standout 2025 campaign brought four senior international medals, cementing her place among the world's top combined-event athletes.

Sport & Exercise Sciences student and current sports scholar Nick Griggs will make his Commonwealth debut in the men's 5,000m, continuing his rapid emergence as one of Ireland's most exciting distance prospects.

Honorary graduate Rhys McClenaghan BEM is back on the Commonwealth stage in the pommel horse. One of Northern Ireland's most decorated gymnasts, he remains a serious threat whenever he competes internationally.

Recent MSc Strength & Conditioning graduate and former sports scholar Danielle Hill is set for the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke, bringing significant international experience to the Team NI squad.

Sport & Exercise Sciences graduate and former sports scholar Jack McMillan will race the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle. McMillan has competed at World Championships and the Olympic Games and continues to be among Northern Ireland's leading swimmers.

Accounting (Pathways) graduate and former sports scholar Victoria Catterson joins the women's 4x100m relay squad, having represented both Northern Ireland and Ireland at major international meets.

Current students and Ulster University sports scholars Lottie Cullen and Alana Burns-Atkin add depth in the pool. Cullen will contest the 100m and 200m backstroke, while Burns-Atkin has been selected for the women's 4x100m relay team. Three Ulster University athletes step between the ropes in Glasgow. Sports Studies student Caitlin Fryers will box at 51kg. MSc Coaching & Performance student and current sports scholar Jon McConnell goes at 70kg. Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering graduate William John McCartan competes at 90kg+.

On the greens, former sports scholar and graduate Adam McKeown lines up in the indoor bowls pairs alongside current sports scholar and Nursing student Chloe Wilson.

Sport & Exercise Sciences graduate Georgie McGrath has been named in Team NI's netball squad and will feature throughout the tournament.

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 Team NI gears up for Glasgow, these athletes' talent, resilience and ambition will be on full display, underscoring Ulster University's ongoing commitment to sporting excellence.

Key Dates

- 23 July – 2 August: Indoor bowls (pairs) – Adam McKeown, Chloe Wilson

- 24 – 29 July: Swimming – Lottie Cullen, Alana Burns-Atkin, Danielle Hill, Jack McMillan, Victoria Catterson

- 24 – 28 July: Gymnastics – Rhys McClenaghan

- 24 July – 2 August: Boxing – Caitlin Fryers, Jon McConnell, William John McCartan

- 25 July – 2 August: Netball – Georgie McGrath

- 27 July – 1 August: Athletics – Kate O'Connor, Nick Griggs

Supporters can follow Team Northern Ireland's progress throughout the Games via the official Glasgow 2026 schedule and updates.