Games selection is 'full circle moment' for swimmer bouncing back from injury

Manx athletes at the top of their fields are preparing to put on the Isle of Man colours to represent their country against some of the best competitors in the Commonwealth.

Running between 23 July and 2 August, the Commonwealth Games will see about 3,000 competitors from 74 nations gather in Glasgow for the athletics spectacular.

The event was originally scheduled to take place in Victoria, Australia, but the country withdrew due to rising costs.

And that surprise change in location for the games means the 2026 event is a "full circle moment" for four-time competitor Laura Kinley, whose first games was also in the Scottish city.

Kinley is among the 22-strong team selected to represent the island so far.

"It's always so exciting and I'm always so proud to be representing of the Isle of Man," she said.

"Now, I think because it's been 12 years since my first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it feels a bit of a full circle moment, going back there again."

The 30-year-old will compete in the 50m and 100m breaststroke classes - something she is far from taking for granted after battling back from a bad shoulder injury.

Kinley explained: "Probably about 18 months ago, I didn't think I would compete in swimming really again with a shoulder injury.

"So the fact that I've come back out of that the other side, it's kind of a relief to be picked, but special to have the opportunity again.

"I think that's kind of pushed me maybe a little bit more this time to try to get back on the team again.

"It almost feels a little bit more special now."

Reflecting on being a flag bearer at the last games in Birmingham alongside record-breaking cyclist Mark Cavendish, she said the experience was "a bit surreal" but had made it "even more special".

"He was always like an idol and a role model in sport for me growing up, kind of showing that being from the Isle of Man you can go out there and compete on the big stage and be competitive against all the other big countries," she said.

Among those heading to the games for the first time is gymnast Harry Eyres, who is competing in the all-round competition.

The 20-year-old Leeds University student said he had been doing the sport "ever since I can remember" and being selected for the team was a "big relief" after the work that he had put in.

"It was a great moment and some weight off the shoulders, but the work's not done yet," he said.

"I've still got an extra two-and-a-half months until the games now, so I've got to really start preparing for it and making the most out of a good opportunity."

He said taking part in the last Island Games in Orkney, where he secured gold, silver and bronze medals, was a "really enjoyable experience".

"It's a great competition. Everyone's very friendly, and it's a great environment to be a part of," he said.

"The Commonwealth Games will be the next step up from that.

"Representing such a small minority of athletes and a country the size we are, competing against the best of the best is really something."

Despite all the preparations still to come, he said the excitement about taking part in Glasgow "will build up" as the games get closer.

"I'm really looking forward to it and training's going really well," he said.

"And I think knowing I've been selected is an extra boost day in and day out to come in and have good sessions each day."

Chef de Mission for the Manx team, Erica Bellhouse, said those selected relished the chance to represent the Isle of Man at the highest level possible.

"We do have people within the team who have gone on and represented Great Britain," she said.

"But in terms of actually flying the Manx flag, it's really quite special."

She said taking part in the opening ceremony in Birmingham in 2022 was "absolutely incredible" as the atmosphere was "absolutely out of this world".

"It was genuinely up there within some of the big life moments walking into the stadium," she continued.

She said the high profile of the games and the coverage they get meant it acted as an inspiration for the island's up-and-coming athletes.

"Seeing that and realising that it is possible is just incredible - incredible opportunities."

As well as swimming and gymnastics, Manx athletes will be also compete in athletics, bowls, cycling and para powerlifting.

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