University of Birmingham athletes shine at the Commonwealth Games
The University of Birmingham celebrates a remarkable round-up of success after competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ollie Morgan starting his 4x100m freestyle relay
Current and incoming students, and alumni from the University of Birmingham have competed at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bringing home an incredible 13 medals - with notable success across Athletics, Swimming, Cycling and Judo.
The Games have highlighted the talent and determination of students and alumni on the international stage, and the calibre of the University's sporting excellence and expertise.
Andy Allford, Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham, said: “Eight of our nine Team UoB medallists made their Commonwealth debuts in Glasgow. Huge congratulations to Georgia Hunter-Bell, Jake Minshull, Kimani Jack, Maddie Down, Ollie Morgan, Charlie Ayre, Summer Shaw, Benjamin Levy and Ciara Oliva on their outstanding performances.
“Further congratulations goes to all our students, staff and alumni who were part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. From support behind the scenes, including physiotherapy and coaching, to outstanding performances on the international stage, it demonstrates the strength and calibre of our Birmingham sporting community.”
Jake Minshull competing in the 400m hurdles
Athletics achievements
Some notable standout performances across athletics events included:
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University of Birmingham alumna Georgia Hunter-Bell secured gold in the Women's 800m, while alumna Isabelle Boffey placed 5th.
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Current student and EDCAP elite scholar Jake Minshull won silver in the 400m hurdles.
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Alumnus Kimani Jack placed 3rd, winning bronze in the men's high jump.
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Alumnus Ollie Morgan won silver medals in the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke, as well as in the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays.
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Incoming student-athlete Maddie Down won bronze in the T38 100m. Maddie will join the Athletics and EDCAP programmes in September.
Congratulations to all our students, staff and alumni who were part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. From support behind the scenes, including physiotherapy and coaching, to outstanding performances on the international stage, it demonstrates the strength and calibre of our Birmingham sporting community.
Ranked second in the UK and ninth globally in the QS World University Rankings for sports-related subjects, these achievements are underpinned by the University's world-class facilities, expert coaching and leading sports research, which together create an environment where athletes can thrive.
Ranked 68th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and 98th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the University of Birmingham is one of the world's leading universities.
With success across multiple disciplines and levels of competition, the University of Birmingham continues to demonstrate its position as one of the UK's leading sporting universities, supporting athletes to achieve excellence on both the national and global stage.