By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
Three‑time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected for the New Zealand Team heading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking her debut at the event and making her the first athletics athlete confirmed for the team.
Grimaldi will contest the Women’s 100m T47, a classification included in the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time. She said the opportunity to finally compete at the Games was something she had long hoped for.
“The Commonwealth Games has always been something I’ve wanted to experience. I’ve heard so much from other athletes and I’m really looking forward to getting over to Glasgow and competing,” she said.
Fresh off her gold‑medal performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Grimaldi said she was particularly excited about being part of a fully integrated New Zealand Team.
“There’s something really special about being part of a team where Para athletes and able‑bodied athletes compete together. It creates an environment where everyone is pushing for the same goal and supporting each other.”
With selection confirmed, Grimaldi’s focus now shifts to preparation. She will continue training in Dunedin until mid‑June before heading to Europe for several competitions in the lead‑up to Glasgow.
New Zealand Olympic Committee Chief Executive Nicki Nicol said Grimaldi was an athlete who embodied the spirit of the New Zealand Team.
“Anna competes with pride and supports those around her. It was wonderful to have her involved during our recent King’s Baton Relay week, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as our first athletics athlete for Glasgow,” Nicol said.
Athletics New Zealand CEO Cam Mitchell also congratulated Grimaldi, noting that more athletics selections will follow.
“Anna brings world‑class experience and a proven ability to perform on the biggest stages. We’re delighted she is the first athlete named, and more announcements will come as we build towards Glasgow 2026.”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games run from 23 July to 2 August, with Para and able‑bodied athletes competing together across the full programme.
Explainer: “Although Grimaldi competes at the same Commonwealth Games as able‑bodied athletes, her event sits within the Para athletics programme, where classifications are based on functional impact rather than which limb is affected.”