Commonwealth Games 2026: Finlay Davidson on Para Powerlifting

Para-powerlifter Finlay Davidson says he will be inspired by lifting in front of a home crowd for the first time when he competes for the opening medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old will line up in the men’s Lightweight Under 72kg category this summer – which will be the first time a Commonwealth Games has opened with a Para-sport event.

Davidson was inspired to take Para-powerlifting seriously by watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and is now hoping to threaten a medal in July.

He has lifted at two World Championships but has never featured in a competition on Scottish soil.

Davidson, from Inverkeithing in Fife, is mentored by renowned Para-powerlifting coach Neil Crosbie, who guided double amputee Micky Yule to Commonwealth bronze in 2022.

He is ranked seventh in the Commonwealth and while he is realistic about his prospects for gold and silver – with England’s Mark Swan and Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin the standout competitors – he is not daunted by his task.

“Those two are out on their own, they are so strong. But I think I can realistically challenge for fourth at least,” he told BBC Sport Scotland.

“Between now and then, I’m just focussed on getting stronger to close the gap with the lifters ranked above me.

“I learnt so much from competing in the World Championships. The first was the junior version – but a lot of the lessons were to do with travel. This time I will be at home, in front of a Scottish crowd for the first time.

“That’s going to be emotional. It’s been my dream to compete in the Commonwealth Games since taking up the sport. I never thought I’d get the chance to do it at home.

“When Australia dropped out and Glasgow stepped in, I knew I had to be there. It will be one of the proudest moments of my life.”