Jack Carlin targets Commonwealth gold at Glasgow 2026 to inspire Scotland’s next cycling stars

Scottish cycling star Jack Carlin says he’s aiming for Commonwealth gold in 2026, and wants to be part of a special Games that inspires the next generation of athletes.

The sprinter, who has four Olympic medals as a Team GB athlete, has won consecutive silver medals in Scotland colours in 2018 and 2022.

Carlin is now hoping to rise to the next level and strike gold in Glasgow. As an excited fan he watched top level competition when Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games and was inspired to chase his own dreams, and there would be an extra reward in providing that spark for youngsters in the crowd next year.

“It’s always something that I strive for and something that you’re always there to turn up and win, and I think that obviously you’re at home games,” he told STV.

“I was at the UCI World Championships here in 2023, and that was an amazing atmosphere there itself.

“There’s the crowd getting behind you, and obviously having been in the crowd in 2014 [I know what it’s like].

“It’s going to hopefully inspire someone like myself to really knuckle down and then have hopefully a career of many games and many trips abroad, racing a bike in a circle.

“So that’s what the legacy of 2026 can leave, as it did for me in 2014.”

The 28-year-old has experience of countless major championships and events but he feels that not only is there going to be something extra special about being at a home games but that he loves how the Commonwealth Games give a unique opportunity to wear the saltire.

“As a Commonwealth athlete, you’re representing Scotland, and it’s the only time we get to do that, and it does have a different feeling towards it,” he said.

“You’re surrounded by your fellow Scotsmen and Scotswomen, and you’ve got a different jersey on your back.

“I think obviously with having Glasgow being the home games, whether it’s an older, experienced rider or a first-time rider, it’s such a special feeling.

“To be able to do it at home, the crowd is going to be even more special, and hopefully it will catapult younger riders into a successful career.”