Home Nations Win Two Medals on Final Day as Reid Retains Commonwealth Crown
August 02, 2026
The final day of judo at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games delivered another action-packed schedule as our home nations secured two medals, including one Commonwealth champion and one silver medallist, alongside several fifth and seventh-place finishes.
Emma Reid (England) successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title in the -78kg category, becoming a two-time Commonwealth champion four years after winning gold at Birmingham 2022.
Beginning her campaign in the quarter-final against Ishroop Narang (IND), Reid was made to work hard for her opening victory. After taking a waza-ari lead, she sealed the contest with an ippon in the closing seconds. Through to the semi-final, she looked increasingly comfortable, producing a composed display against Zanet Michaelidou (CYP) to secure her place in the final and move one step closer to retaining her title.
In the gold medal contest, Reid faced Maria Swan (AUS), who took an early yuko lead. Showing the composure and experience of a defending champion, Reid remained patient before producing an ippon to turn the contest around and retain her Commonwealth Games crown.
Speaking on how this title compares to her last, and how going behind early in the final shaped the rest of the fight, Reid said, “I think with the first one, I knew I could get to the final, and it was all about trying to win the gold. It was more like, not shock, but, “Wow, I’ve done it.” Whereas this time there was a lot more pressure, so I had to deal with that.
“Obviously going a score down was really stressful, but I managed to compose myself and win it.”
Max Gregory (England) claimed the silver medal in the -100kg category, producing an impressive performance to round off the competition in Glasgow.
His opening quarter-final lasted less than a minute as Gregory secured victory over Matthew Rowley (NZL) with an ippon hold-down to book his place in the semi-final. There, he faced WCPP teammate and fellow home nations judoka Ollie Barratt (Wales), overcoming the Welshman to progress to the gold medal contest. Gregory gave an excellent account of himself in the final, but it was Kyle Reyes (CAN) who ultimately claimed the title, with the English judoka earning a well-deserved Commonwealth Games silver medal.
Reflecting on how it felt to achieve this result after missing out on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games through injury, Gregory said, “I’m immensely proud.
“Missing the last Commonwealth Games was a really tough pill to swallow, but I was happy to be there supporting my teammates.”
“This time, to come back, be part of such a strong team and stand on the podium with a silver medal means a lot.”
Alongside our medallists, several home nations judoka produced impressive performances to finish just outside the podium places. Shelley Ludford (England), Ollie Barratt (Wales) and Gregor Miller (Scotland) all recorded fifth-place finishes, while Joshua Whitehouse (Wales) finished seventh, with each athlete performing superbly throughout the day.
That brings the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to a close. Across three days of competition, our home nations secured a total of 16 medals, including three Commonwealth champions, two silver medallists and 11 bronze medallists.
Alongside those podium finishes, several fifth and seventh-place results further demonstrated the strength and depth of home nations judo on the Commonwealth stage.
Congratulations to every judoka, coach and support staff member involved in Glasgow 2026 on an outstanding Commonwealth Games campaign.
