Team Wales Announces Eight-Athlete Team for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
June 19, 2026
Team Wales has announced their selection of eight judoka who will represent Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant milestone for the athletes, their coaches, clubs and the wider Welsh judo community.
The squad showcases the strength and depth of Welsh judo, bringing together Commonwealth Games experience, World Class Performance Programme athletes, British champions, international medallists and some of the country’s most exciting emerging talent.
Commonwealth Games Performance Coach Natalie Powell said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the athletes selected to represent Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Selection for a Commonwealth Games is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by each athlete, alongside the invaluable support of their coaches, clubs and families.
This is an exciting and ambitious group. We have a young, talented team that has been building momentum over the past few years, delivering strong performances on the international stage and continuing to develop with every competition. There is a genuine belief within this squad, and they will travel to Glasgow with confidence, determination and immense pride in representing Wales.
The future of Welsh judo is incredibly bright, and I’m excited to see what this team can achieve when they step onto one of the biggest stages in international sport.”
Leading the team is Ollie Barratt (U100kg, Dragons Academy) who brings extensive international experience to the Welsh team. A member of the GB World Class Performance Programme, Ollie has represented Great Britain at both World and European Championships and arrives in Glasgow as the reigning British Senior Champion, having established himself as one of Britain’s leading senior athletes.
Ashleigh Barnikel (U48kg, Team Kaizen Judo Club, Bradley Stoke Judo Club and Neyland Judo Club), will make her second Commonwealth Games appearance after representing Wales at Birmingham 2022. A proven performer on both the domestic and international stage, Ashleigh has enjoyed continued success in recent years, securing medals across multiple Continental Open events.
Also selected is Holly Devall(U70kg, Dragons Academy), whose impressive run of international performances has seen her collect multiple Continental Open medals over the past year. Her recent victories on the international circuit highlight her consistency and growing reputation as she prepares for her Commonwealth Games debut.
One of Wales’ brightest young prospects, Lola Hodson (U52kg, Dragons Academy) has already achieved international success across cadet, junior and senior competition. A member of the GB World Class Performance Programme, Lola is currently British Junior and Senior Champion, placing 5th at the Junior European Championships in 2025 and currently ranked among the world’s leading junior athletes.
Millie Bayliss (U63kg, Bradley Stoke Judo Club) has continued her rapid progression through the ranks, building on her success as a British Junior Champion with a series of strong international performances. Her recent Continental Open medals demonstrate her ability to compete consistently at senior level as she earns her place on the Commonwealth Games team.
Making his Commonwealth Games debut, Ben Moore (U73kg, Bradley Stoke Judo Club, Silverbacks & Craig Ewers Academy) has established himself as one of Wales’ leading senior judoka. Making the step up to Senior judo this year Ben has stepped up, earning medals at several Continental Open events.
Josh Whitehouse (+100kg, Go Judo and Judo Swansea) enters the Games following a breakthrough period in his senior career. Crowned British Senior Champion in 2025, he has continued to build momentum internationally and will look to carry that form onto the Commonwealth stage.
Completing the squad is Josh Bell (U66kg, Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai), who has steadily developed his international credentials with a number of medal performances on the Continental Open circuit. His selection reflects both his recent progress and the confidence placed in his potential by the Welsh coaching team.
The Welsh Judo Association and British Judo Association congratulate all eight athletes on their selection and recognise the invaluable contribution of their coaches, clubs, families and support networks. Their dedication and commitment have played a vital role in helping these athletes earn the opportunity to represent Wales on one of the biggest stages in international sport.
With a talented and ambitious squad heading to Glasgow, we look forward to seeing these athletes compete with pride, passion and determination as they aim to make their mark at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Selected Welsh Judoka:
Women’s Team
Ashleigh Barnikel (U48kg) – Team Kaizen / Bradley Stoke / Neyland Judo Club
Lola Hodson (U52kg) – Dragons Academy
Millie Bayliss (U63kg) – Bradley Stoke Judo Club
Holly Devall (U70kg) – Dragons Academy
Men’s Team:
Joshua Bell (U66kg) – Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai
Ben Moore (U73kg) – Bradley Stoke Judo Club / Silverbacks Judo Club / Craig Ewers Academy
Oliver Barratt (U100kg) – Dragons Academy
Joshua Whitehouse (Over 100kg) – Go Judo / Judo Swansea
