Finlay Davidson, a 21-year-old para-powerlifter from Inverkeithing in Fife, is set to make history as he competes for the opening medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This summer's games will feature the largest Para-sport programme in the event's history and will be the first time a Commonwealth Games has opened with a Para-sport event.
Davidson was inspired by watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he saw double amputee Micky Yule win silver. He now hopes to threaten a medal in July, although he is realistic about his prospects for gold and silver, acknowledging that England's Mark Swan and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin are strong favourites.
Davidson will compete in the men's lightweight under 72kg category, which will be his first time competing on Scottish soil. He has never featured in a competition on home ground before but is now set to lift in front of a home crowd for the first time.
The young athlete credits renowned para-powerlifting coach Neil Crosbie with helping him improve and gain more experience. "Those two are out on their own, they're so strong," Davidson said about his competitors. "But I think I can realistically challenge for fourth at least." He has been working hard to close the gap between himself and the top-ranked lifters.
Davidson is also pleased with the dynamics of the scheduling, particularly the fact that para and non-para athletes will be competing side by side. This he believes sends an important message about equality and inclusion in sport and outside of it. "Putting para and non-para athletes side by side is so important - in sport and outside of it," Davidson said.
Davidson's selection was unveiled at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh as part of All In β Glasgow 2026's nationwide campaign calling on the nation to join the Commonwealth Games celebration. The young athlete sees this event as a way for Scotland to come together and build momentum behind the games, which he believes will be a "massive" success.
Davidson was inspired by watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he saw double amputee Micky Yule win silver. He now hopes to threaten a medal in July, although he is realistic about his prospects for gold and silver, acknowledging that England's Mark Swan and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin are strong favourites.
Davidson will compete in the men's lightweight under 72kg category, which will be his first time competing on Scottish soil. He has never featured in a competition on home ground before but is now set to lift in front of a home crowd for the first time.
The young athlete credits renowned para-powerlifting coach Neil Crosbie with helping him improve and gain more experience. "Those two are out on their own, they're so strong," Davidson said about his competitors. "But I think I can realistically challenge for fourth at least." He has been working hard to close the gap between himself and the top-ranked lifters.
Davidson is also pleased with the dynamics of the scheduling, particularly the fact that para and non-para athletes will be competing side by side. This he believes sends an important message about equality and inclusion in sport and outside of it. "Putting para and non-para athletes side by side is so important - in sport and outside of it," Davidson said.
Davidson's selection was unveiled at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh as part of All In β Glasgow 2026's nationwide campaign calling on the nation to join the Commonwealth Games celebration. The young athlete sees this event as a way for Scotland to come together and build momentum behind the games, which he believes will be a "massive" success.
I'm so stoked for Finlay Davidson! It's amazing how far para-powerlifting has come, and to see it being included in the Commonwealth Games is just fantastic 
. As someone who's seen a lot of young athletes chase their dreams, I know how hard it takes to get to this point. The fact that he's being realistic about his prospects but still going for it is really admirable 
. And let's be honest, it's not just about the medals β it's about showing the world what para-athletes can do 
. I love that the Commonwealth Games are making a big deal about equality and inclusion β it's so important to have a platform like this to raise awareness and celebrate diversity 
. Bring on Glasgow 2026, I'm excited to see Finlay lift those weights in front of a home crowd! 
! This kid's got heart and determination pouring out of every pore. I mean, watching those 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham must've been like a wake-up call for him - seeing Micky Yule win silver was probably the spark that ignited his drive to succeed.
It's like, Scotland's gonna get a taste of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. I love how he's thinking about the message this event sends about equality and inclusion - it's like, we're all in this together, you know?
. We're losing some of those old-school heroes, the ones who paved the way for para-powerlifters like Finlay. I mean, Mark Swan and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin are legends in their own right - it's gonna be tough for them to step down.
. They're the future of this sport, and if they keep pushing themselves and each other, we might just see some incredible things happen at these Games. Bring it on! 
It's going to be a fantastic event, and I'm sure Finlay Davidson is gonna do himself proud. Good luck, mate! 
. I mean, it's great that he got selected and all but let's be real, he's never even won anything in his life before this 
. He thinks he can challenge for fourth place against England's Mark Swan and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin? Please, those two are gonna crush him like the insignificant nobody he is 
. Like, it's Scotland, dude, we're all just gonna be watching you lift some weights and pretending to care 
.
and we had an epic game of capture the flag at midnight under the stars 
... anyway, Finlay Davidson is so cool for even having Micky Yule as his idol, I mean, that guy's a total inspiration to para-powerlifters everywhere 
I'm loving that Para-sport is finally getting the recognition it deserves! It's dope to see Finlay Davidson making history in Glasgow 
I mean, we've got Micky Yule winnin' silver in 2022 and now Finlay Davidson is goin' for gold... it's a big step up. But you know what's even more impressive? He's not gettin' his hopes too high, sayin' he can just make the top four. That shows he's realistic about it. 
I mean, think about it, we're celebrating a Para-sport event as the opening medal, what does that say about our priorities? Are we finally getting to a point where we're acknowledging that everyone has value and worth, regardless of their abilities? 
. The fact that para and non-para athletes will be competing side by side is super important - it shows we're making progress towards equality and inclusion in sports 
. It's all about breaking down barriers and showing the world what we're capable of 
!
he's got some stiff competition from Mark Swan & Bonnie Bunyau Gustin tho 
[
source needed pls? also i dont think its a good idea to have para and non-para athletes competing side by side, might just put pressure on the para athletes.
anyway, gotta say, it's awesome to see para-sport getting more recognition and Scotland finally hosting a major one 
Coach-needs-coach support is key to unlocking athlete potential. Fingers crossed for Finlay & the rest of Scotland's para-sport team! 
! I mean, who needs gold or silver when you're just gonna crush the 4th spot? 
. Onward to Glasgow, Finlay! You got this! 
οΈ! Did you know that the 2026 Commonwealth Games are expected to attract a record-breaking 4.5 million viewers worldwide 
.
. It's clear that there's a growing interest in accessible sports and inclusive competitions worldwide 
i'm loving the vibe of the scheduling, and i think it'll be a massive success in Glasgow this summer 
)!!