Para-powerlifting sensation Finlay Davidson is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow this summer, with the 21-year-old eager to lift off at the opening medal event of the 2026 Games. A Scottish athlete from Inverkeithing in Fife, Davidson will compete in the men's Lightweight Under 72kg category, where he is ranked seventh in the Commonwealth.
Despite having never competed on Scottish soil before, and with renowned coach Neil Crosbie guiding him, Davidson is confident that he can challenge for a medal. "Those two are out on their own, they are so strong," he admitted about England's Mark Swan and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who are considered the standout competitors in his category.
Davidson's journey into Para-powerlifting was sparked by watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he was inspired to take up the sport. Now, with Glasgow hosting the opening Para-sport event of the Games, Davidson is determined to make the most of this opportunity. "This is going to be emotional," he said about competing at home, adding that it's been his dream to participate in the Commonwealth Games since taking up the sport.
The 2026 Games will feature the largest Para-sport programme in the event's history, and Davidson is pleased with the scheduling dynamics. He believes that putting Para and non-Para athletes side by side sends an important message about equality and inclusion in sports. "Usually we aren't competing in the same venue and at the same time at the Olympics and Paralympics," he noted, highlighting the significance of this event.
Davidson's selection was announced as part of All In β Glasgow 2026's nationwide campaign, which aims to spark community pride and build momentum through locally led events across Scotland. "Glasgow 2026 is Scotland's Games and we want the whole nation to get behind us," he said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in promoting sport and unity.
With his sights set firmly on Glasgow, Davidson is ready to take on this new challenge and make his mark on the Para-powerlifting world stage.
Despite having never competed on Scottish soil before, and with renowned coach Neil Crosbie guiding him, Davidson is confident that he can challenge for a medal. "Those two are out on their own, they are so strong," he admitted about England's Mark Swan and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who are considered the standout competitors in his category.
Davidson's journey into Para-powerlifting was sparked by watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he was inspired to take up the sport. Now, with Glasgow hosting the opening Para-sport event of the Games, Davidson is determined to make the most of this opportunity. "This is going to be emotional," he said about competing at home, adding that it's been his dream to participate in the Commonwealth Games since taking up the sport.
The 2026 Games will feature the largest Para-sport programme in the event's history, and Davidson is pleased with the scheduling dynamics. He believes that putting Para and non-Para athletes side by side sends an important message about equality and inclusion in sports. "Usually we aren't competing in the same venue and at the same time at the Olympics and Paralympics," he noted, highlighting the significance of this event.
Davidson's selection was announced as part of All In β Glasgow 2026's nationwide campaign, which aims to spark community pride and build momentum through locally led events across Scotland. "Glasgow 2026 is Scotland's Games and we want the whole nation to get behind us," he said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in promoting sport and unity.
With his sights set firmly on Glasgow, Davidson is ready to take on this new challenge and make his mark on the Para-powerlifting world stage.
so i think finlay davidson has a good shot at that medal 
he's been training hard with his coach neil crosbie and now's his chance to shine in front of a home crowd 
i love how he's all about equality and inclusion in sports, it's like putting down a diagram of the athlete category on top of the para-sport one 
and that way everyone can see how they're connected 
. I mean, what if the para-athletes are having trouble adapting to the competition environment? But on the other hand, maybe it's exactly what we need to promote equality and inclusion in sports 
. I've heard that Glasgow is going to have a huge Para-sport program this time around, which could be amazing for people with disabilities... or it could be overwhelming if not managed properly 
. Davidson seems like a great athlete, but can he handle the pressure of competing at home? 
! He's got the skills and the passion, and I love that he's got a coach like Neil Crosbie guiding him - they're a winning combo 
. And I totally get why he's stoked about competing at home - it's his dream come true 
. The whole Para and non-Para athlete thing is also super cool, it's like they're breaking down barriers and showing everyone that inclusion is key 
. Bring on Glasgow 2026 and let's see Finlay shine!
... like, he's got a shot at a medal or whatever, but has anyone seen his comp stats? 7th in the rankings doesn't exactly scream "medal contender" to me 
. and what's with all this fuss about equality & inclusion in sports? I mean, isn't that just what sports are supposed to be about already? 
. and davidson's all about community pride & unity, yeah right, like that doesn't sound like just a marketing gimmick to me 
.
I'm stoked for Finlay Davidson, he's got a shot at that medal if anyone does! It's amazing how a sports event like the Commonwealth Games can bring so much pride to a community. The fact that they're putting Para and non-Para athletes together is all about equality and inclusion - it's a massive step forward 
, especially with para sports getting more recognition! finlay davidson seems like an amazing athlete & it's awesome that he's got a renowned coach to guide him 
neil crosbie is defo gonna help him achieve his goals 
, we got your back, finlay! 
.
, he's gonna be competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer! i'm low-key excited for him 
, but also kinda nervous that those strong competitors Mark Swan and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin will give him a run for his money 
this is exactly the kind of vibe we need more of! keep shining, finlay