Weir Archer Academy would like to congratulate T54 athlete Ellis Kottas, who will be representing Team England as part of the Para-athletics squad in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
She will be participating in the T54 1500m event, set to take place from 23 July to 2 August.
We asked Ellis to share her thoughts ahead of the competition.
1. How did it feel to be selected for the England team in the Commonwealth Games?
It was so exciting! I knew it was a likelihood as I’d been working towards qualifying by competing in Dubai and knew my ranking was good enough (top 7 in the commonwealth automatically qualify) but it’s only when I got the call from the head of England athletics that it felt real!
2. What does it take to be selected for the Commonwealth Games?
My feelings range very much between excitement and nerves, depends on the day, but I think now it’s so close the excitement is winning out.
3. What is the training regime like for the Commonwealth Games?
I’ve definitely upped my training since being selected but mostly being off uni has given me more free time. I go to St Mary’s Twickenham to gym twice a week, see the physio there weekly and try to be in my chair at least 3x a week.
4. Have you had to adjust your lifestyle in any way to prepare?
I get access to a sports psychologist and nutritionist via England athletics so I’ve been in contact with them to adjust my lifestyle and thought processing coming up to such a big event.
5. How long will you be away for?
I’m flying out 3 days pre-comp and coming back the day after.
6. What are your plans after the Commonwealth Games? Do you plan to enter more competitions straight away, or have some time to relax?
I think being selected for the commonwealth games has definitely made me realise the potential for doing big events in the future and it’ll be interesting how I can improve if I keep up training more regularly (I was only doing 1x gym and 2x track start of this year!) and I wanted to take some time off but I felt guilty that I haven’t really done any UK comps this year so will do Stratford Speed on 9th August. But then I’ll rest!
The squad features previous medallists and upcoming talent from across the country.
Speaking to Team England, Chef de Mission Jonathon Riall said: “I’m delighted that we will be bringing such a strong para-athletics squad to Glasgow 2026. The squad is truly representative of England, being drawn from all corners of the country and will compete across a wide range of events.”
Kottas is no stranger to international competitive racing, having participated in the 2022 IWAS World Games and placing third in the 100 metres, as well as the Swiss Nationals last month.
Team England have recently kitted Kottas out for all the situations that the Games will throw at her, sending her outfits for every occasion, including travel, training, cheering on teammates, cold and wet weather, race day, medal ceremony and closing ceremony.
The Weir Archer Academy would like to wish Kottas all the best for the Commonwealth Games:
The Commonwealth Games will be available to watch on TNT Sports and HBO Max. Alternatively, the highlights will be broadcast for free on Channel 5.
To keep up to date with Ellis' journey, take a look at her Instagram page: @ellisonaroll