Two-time Commonwealth gold-medallist Lewis is anticipating fireworks between the speedy Scots on dwelling soil
A showdown between dwelling favourites Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman at Glasgow 2026 could be ‘the stuff of goals’, in accordance with Dame Denise Lewis.
The Scots, who’re each world champions over 1500m, will face off for gold when the Commonwealth Mile race returns to the schedule. For each, it seems a final real looking probability at including a Commonwealth Video games title to their respective illustrious medal collections. Wightman claimed a shocking 1500m silver eventually yr’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo – being pipped to gold by two-hundredths of a second by Portugal’s Isaac Nader – to reannounce himself on the worldwide stage after an injury-ravaged spell submit his 2022 triumph.
Two-time Olympic medallist and 2023 world champion Kerr sustained a grade two calf tear throughout the remaining within the Japanese capital however the 28-year-old is focusing on a mile world file on the London Diamond League, two weeks earlier than he goes for Commonwealth gold on dwelling soil. And the prospect of watching each Kerr and Wightman struggle it out is one thing Lewis can not look forward to.
“If these two arrive wholesome, in the identical occasion, sparks will fly,” mentioned the two-time Commonwealth Video games gold medallist. The problem for the impartial is, who do you go for? We like each. They’re each world champions and everybody completely adores them. It’s the stuff of goals.
“It may very well be spine-tingling down the house straight. So, in case you haven’t obtained your tickets, get them, as a result of there are going to be some nice matchups and head-to-heads, and Kerr towards Wightman is a mouth-watering prospect.”
Lewis was president of Commonwealth Video games England, a job now crammed by Dame Laura Kenny, when the way forward for the occasion was thrown into severe doubt.
The Australian state of Victoria was initially meant to stage the Video games however pulled out of internet hosting duties in July 2023 resulting from monetary worries. Scotland’s largest metropolis, which additionally hosted the Video games in 2014, stepped in and Lewis feels the importance of them doing so can’t be overstated.
“It was a large name from Glasgow, and at actually quick discover too,” she mentioned. “I used to be nonetheless president of Commonwealth Video games England, and all of the Commonwealth nations had been nearly on pause as a result of we didn’t know what was going to occur. There was such uncertainty.
“It was not simply concerning the host, it was very a lot concerning the athletes making an attempt to construct their careers, having moments to shine and showcase their sport, and doubtlessly not having that chance. So, it’s a massive deal. I’m certain the athletes are very grateful. I’m simply glad it’s going forward, and hopefully we are able to now all sit up for a wholesome and a safer future for the Commonwealth Video games.”
The Video games will even have the largest para sport medal tally of any in its historical past, and for the primary time ever, a para sport – para powerlifting – could have the honour of being the primary medal occasion of the competitors. Lewis added: “Para sport sits proper on the coronary heart of the Commonwealth Video games, and this can be a nice instance of what we should always obtain.”
The heptathlete additionally hailed the significance of the King’s Baton Relay, which is happening between Might 26-31 and being supported by Crew England’s official automotive companion, Geely. “The baton symbolises connectivity from nation to nation because it strikes across the Commonwealth,” she added.
“It’s that decision to the eye of the Commonwealth that the Video games are taking place, and that folks and communities can get engaged with the baton and its journey. There’s that stage of anticipation when you already know you’re going to be a kind of baton relay runners.
“Individuals will really feel a way of delight that they’re representing their group. They’ve obtained household and associates who can get entangled. It’s simply very particular to be a part of it, to witness it, and for that fruits [of the relay] when it arrives within the stadium for the primary time.”
Crew England are Able to Win on the 2026 Commonwealth Video games. Preserve updated on https://teamengland.org/.