The North-West University (NWU) will have a strong presence at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with five current athletes and staff members, alongside two alumni, representing their countries on one of the world's biggest sporting stages from 23 July to 2 August.

The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, bringing together athletes from member nations and territories of the Commonwealth. Regarded as one of the world's leading international sporting events, the Games provide athletes with an opportunity to compete against some of the best competitors from across the Commonwealth.

Leading the NWU contingent for South Africa are sprinter Bradley Nkoana, hurdlers Franco le Roux and Rogail Joseph, and para-athlete Liezel Gouws, while Ethan Olivier will compete for New Zealand in the men's triple jump. NWU athletics manager Tracey Olivier and hurdles and sprint coach Shaun Bownes have also been selected as part of the management for Team South Africa.

The athletes travel to Glasgow after producing strong performances during the 2026 season.

Bradley enters the Games in career-best form after becoming only the 12th South African sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres. He clocked a personal best of 9,95 seconds in Nivelles, Belgium, on 27 June and will compete in the South African 4x100 m relay team.

Rogail will compete as the reigning African champion in the 400 m hurdles after having secured her third continental title earlier this year. Franco will line up in the 110 m hurdles, while Liezel has been selected to compete in the para-athletics programme in the 100 m, 200 m and long jump events.

Ethan will represent New Zealand in the men's triple jump. Born in New Zealand before moving to South Africa at the age of five, he now returns to compete for his country of birth at the Commonwealth Games.

The presence of the NWU extends beyond its current athletes. Alumni Waldouw Smit and Jo-Ané du Plessis have also been selected for Team South Africa and will compete in the men's and women's javelin events respectively.

The inclusion of current students, alumni, coaches and support staff highlights the contribution of the NWU athletics programme to international sports and gives the university another opportunity to be represented on one of the biggest sporting stages of the Commonwealth.

Bradley Nkoana

Ethan Oliver

Franco le Roux

Liezel-Gouws

Rogail Joseph