ATS panel offer wise words and look forward to Glasgow 2026

Thursday 12th February 2026

By Jenny Selman

Athletics Trust Scotland were delighted to hold their first panel event of the year – a celebration of Glasgow 2026 at Scotstoun Stadium, where the Commonwealth Games athletics will take place this summer.

The audience had the opportunity to hear from a star-studded panel of Eilidh Doyle, Melanie Woods and Megan Keith, who discussed their own athletics journeys, reminisced about Team Scotland’s successes at Glasgow 2014 and looked ahead to the Commonwealth Games returning to Scotland.

It was also a brilliant opportunity for young athletes to hear from three exceptional role models in our sport, with both Megan and Eilidh highlighting how keeping sport varied, sociable and fun in their youth helped them to progress through the age groups and go on to have successful and fulfilling senior careers.

There were also lessons in resilience, determination and mental toughness from Mel, whose inspirational journey into wheelchair racing after a life-changing cycling accident in her early twenties moved everyone in the room.

Mel made her Team Scotland debut at Birmingham 2022, just a few short years after her accident, and hopes to be selected for this year’s Commonwealth Games in her hometown of Glasgow.

Photos by Alex Thomson

It was brilliant to see people from across the athletics and running community joining the event, with members of clubs including Central AC, East Kilbride AC, Cambuslang Harriers, Fife AC, Lothian Running Club, Pitreavie AAC, Red Star AC and West End Road Runners in attendance.

All funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorship and the Commonwealth Games tickets raffle go towards Athletics Trust Scotland’s mission to make athletics and running more accessible for all.

Examples of the charity’s current work include the launch of the new National Wheelchair Racing Hub and free athletics sessions for children and young people affected by poverty.

The event was supported by Stride Athletics, who led a 5k social run and captured content on the night, and Glasgow 2026.

Finally, a huge thank you to the event’s generous sponsors, Protay, an events and timing company owned by friends of the charity, Sharon Taylor and Jamie Provan.