Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Eilidh Doyle on why the Commonwealth Mile will steal the show with record-breaker Josh Kerr in town
By Ben Snowball
Updated 29/07/2026 at 14:01 GMT+1
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For many, the athletics programme is the reason to get most excited about a summer multi-sport event. Glasgow 2026 should be no exception, with Scotstoun Stadium set to host one of the standout competitions of the Commonwealth Games. And there is a new world record holder in town...
How the Commonwealth Games differs from the Olympics explained
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Home favourite Josh Kerr arrives in Glasgow as the fastest miler in history after obliterating the world record in London just days before the Games. The Scot now has the chance to do it again, with the Commonwealth Mile returning for the first time since 1966.
Kerr headlines a star-studded Scottish team alongside Eilish McColgan and Paralympic champion Ben Sandilands. McColgan returns after producing one of the moments of Birmingham 2022 with her dramatic 10,000m triumph, while Team England also arrive packed with medal contenders including Amy Hunt (100m), Georgia Hunter-Bell (800m) and Katarina Johnson-Thompson (heptathlon).
Ahead of Glasgow 2026 - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - we caught up with three-time Commonwealth silver medallist Eilidh Doyle before Kerr's record-breaking run to preview the return of the mile, Scotland's middle-distance strength and her favourite Commonwealth Games memories.
Which event is a must-watch in Glasgow?
Eilidh Doyle: "From a Scottish point of view, the men's mile is really exciting. It's got three Scots: Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley. Josh and Jake are obviously previous world champions over 1500m.
"I think that will be really special and they're not going to have it all their own way because there are some really strong Kenyan athletes in that event. That's going to be a big one to watch."
Why does the mile matter so much?
Doyle: "I think people understand the concept of the mile, going back to Roger Bannister breaking four minutes for the first time.
"A lot of people go out and run recreationally, and they understand what running a mile feels like. Being able to watch these guys and see just how fast they can do it and go 'oh, yeah, that's really impressive'.
"With the 1500m, you can understand that it's a PB or a championship best or a world record. But the mile is really relatable and more iconic."
How special will it be to see Eilish McColgan and Laura Muir back in Scotland?
Doyle: "Being able to see these athletes compete is great, the likes of Eilish and Laura absolutely run their hearts out.
"We all remember Eilish's scenes in Birmingham when she won - it was iconic. She's been struggling with foot problems and said the only reason she's doing this is because the Games are coming back to Glasgow. I think she thought her track career was maybe done and it was going to be all about the road."
How fierce is the Home Nations rivalry?
Doyle: "I haven't seen it that way at all. The only time I remember it even being on our radar was in the 4x400m at the Gold Coast in 2018. Scotland and England were both in the final, and we're all sitting together saying, 'I better make sure I don't pass the baton to you because I'm so used to passing the baton to you!'
"It almost felt weird not being in a team together, so it definitely felt more united than it did like a rivalry.
"I remember in 2014 a lot of the Home Nation athletes saying they didn't expect to get the same cheer as the Scottish athletes. I think for everybody it felt like a home Games and that's why a lot of the English and Welsh athletes have said they want to come back to Glasgow."
What sport are you most excited to watch away from athletics?
Doyle: "I swam before doing athletics and I've always wanted to watch swimming.
"You're looking at Duncan Scott, who is an absolute legend in Scottish swimming and British swimming as well."
What is your favourite Commonwealth Games memory?
Doyle: "The lap of honour in Hampden [after taking silver in 2014] and being flag bearer at the Gold Coast [in 2018] were two really special moments for me.
"But even looking back to Delhi in 2010, getting my very first medal was really special.
"Each Commonwealth Games was different in my journey, even though I won a silver medal every time."
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