A Jersey weightlifter has been handed a late place in Jersey’s squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – becoming the Island’s first representative in the sport for more than six decades.
25-year-old Oliver Dodds’ selection was confirmed on Sunday after he was awarded a “bipartite invite” by Commonwealth Sport and the International Weightlifting Federation.
Dodds narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after finishing just outside the Commonwealth’s top eight during the qualification period. However, one additional invitation is available in each weight category, and Dodds has secured the place in the men’s 110kg division.
His inclusion takes Jersey’s Commonwealth Games squad to 22 athletes, following the selection of 21 competitors through the open allocation process last month.
Dodds is set to become the Island’s first Commonwealth Games weightlifter in 64 years, following Cliff Heuze’s appearances at the 1958 and 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
I’m absolutely thrilled
25-year-old Oliver Dodds
Dodds described news of his inclusion as a “welcome surprise”.
“I had come to terms with narrowly missing out on Glasgow initially but now, knowing I’m going to be representing Jersey on the biggest stage… I cannot wait. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Jersey’s Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, Jean Cross, said Dodds had earned his opportunity.
“Olly fully deserves this invite and we’re delighted that he’ll be joining us in Glasgow next month,” she said.
“We’re incredibly proud to be taking a team of 22 athletes to the Games, across five sports, and we’re looking forward to watching them all in action.”
Jersey will be represented in athletics, bowls, judo, swimming and weightlifting when the Games take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August.
Who else is in the Team Jersey squad?
Athletics: Evan Campbell, Steven Mackay, Jamie Oldham, Zach Saunders, Lucy Woodward
Bowls: Fiona Archibald, Sara Douglas, Abbey Andrieux, Malcolm De Sousa, Ross Davis, Taylor Greechan
Judo: Steven Rabet
Swimming: Matthew Deffains, Isaac Dodds, Oscar Dodds, Megan Hansford*, Filip Nowacki, Hannah Sterry, Sam Sterry, Isaac Thompson, Clara Ginnis
Weightlifting: Olly Dodds
