WEIGHTLIFTER Oliver Dodds has been added to Jersey’s team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, setting himself up to become Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games weightlifter in 64 years.
The 25-year-old had his selection confirmed today [Sunday 14 June], following a ‘bipartite invite’ reallocation by Commonwealth Sport and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Dodds finished the automatic qualification period just outside the top eight in the Commonwealth – a ranking that would have all but guaranteed selection. However, one bipartite invite per weight category is available to eligible athletes and Dodds has been awarded the spot in the men’s 110kg division. His inclusion brings Jersey’s squad size up to 22, following the selection of 21 other athletes via the ‘open allocation’ process last month.
Dodds is set to become Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games weightlifter in 64 years, following Cliff Heuze’s appearances at the 1958 and 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
“This news is a welcome surprise,” said Dodds. “I had come to terms with narrowly missing out on Glasgow initially but now, knowing I’m going to be representing Jersey on the biggest stage – I cannot wait. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Jean Cross, Jersey’s Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, said: “Olly fully deserves this invite and we’re delighted that he’ll be joining us in Glasgow next month. We’re incredibly proud to be taking a team of 22 athletes to the Games, across five sports, and we’re looking forward to watching them all in action.”
Jersey will also be represented in athletics, bowls, judo and swimming between 23 July and 2 August
