Massey athletes make their mark at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Massey-connected athletes took part in swimming, athletics, cycling, netball, gymnastics, judo, basketball and weightlifting.

Alumna Eliza McCartney won gold in the women’s pole vault, while Lewis Clareburt, who completed his study at Massey this year, returned with two gold medals in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley, as well as silver in the 200m individual medley.

Eliza says the Games proved to be an unexpected highlight.

“It ended up becoming a bit of a dream come true. We were expecting a tough competition in the Glasgow conditions, and that's exactly how it played out,” she says.

“It meant I didn't jump particularly high but it was enough to win the competition. I really wasn't expecting to win, and to share that moment with my partner and family is what makes it so special.”

She says the atmosphere in Glasgow helped make the competition memorable, with the crowd creating plenty of noise despite the smaller stadium.

For Eliza, being part of the wider New Zealand team also added something special to the experience.

Lewis Clareburt also came away from Glasgow delighted with his performances.

“I had a great time racing and I swam fast, which is all you can ask for. It’s a special environment to compete in and it’s always a privilege to wear the silver fern,” he says.

“The crowds were electric. I had a few Scottish swimmers in my races and the crowd really got behind them, which is exactly what you want at a home Games. But I felt extremely supported over there too. You’d be surprised how many people love Kiwis.”

Lewis praises the organisers for stepping in to host the Games after Melbourne withdrew.

“The organisers did an excellent job putting the whole thing together, especially picking it up after Melbourne pulled out. That’s no small task, and it didn’t feel like a compromise from an athlete’s point of view.”

For both athletes, competing at an international level has also meant finding ways to balance elite sport with university study.

Eliza says studying gave her something to focus on outside of sport and helped her stay grounded.

“I was always interested in studying and the balance served me well, having something to focus on outside of sport. Not only did it set me up for life after sport, but it also allowed me to stay grounded and find success in other areas when injury was forcing me to sit on the sidelines.”

She says Massey’s distance programme made it possible to complete her degree while competing.

“I was only able to balance study and sport because of the distance programme Massey offers. The lecturers were always very supportive and happy to make adjustments when needed, and I was able to move at my own pace through the degree. A typical university offering wouldn't have been flexible enough for me to achieve a degree whilst competing.”

Lewis concurs. 

“It’s always difficult, and travel makes it harder again. Finding time between races and the physical journey itself is a real challenge. What’s made it work for me is studying online through Massey. They make it genuinely easy to complete your studies at your own pace, which means I can fit study around training and travel rather than the other way around.”

With his study now completed, Clareburt is looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games, while also considering what comes after swimming.

“In the pool, I’m preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. That’s the big one on the horizon. Alongside that, over the next few years I want to explore different industries I could see myself working in once I’mdone swimming. I’ve just completed my Certificate of Financial Advice through Massey, and I’m hoping that opens some doors to new opportunities.”

Eliza’s focus remains firmly on athletics as she looks towards the 2028 Olympic Games, while also using her environmental science background to advocate for sustainability in sport.

“For now my focus is still squarely on sport whilst I'm still an athlete. We have had a big year and there will be plenty to review and reflect on as we close in on the 2028 Olympic Games.”

“In the meantime, I use what I learnt in my environmental science degree to be a sustainability advocate in the sporting world. That connection back home and to a greater purpose provides the right balance for me.”

For current student and swimmer Milana Tapper, the Commonwealth Games were an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of a major multi-sport event and to compete alongside athletes from across Aotearoa.

“I honestly had a great time. Of course, I was very nervous the night before, and the day of my races, but around the stress of racing, I really enjoyed myself,” she says.

Milana is studying towards a Bachelor of Accountancy part-time. She was part of the New Zealand women’s 4x200m freestyle relay team that won bronze. She also finished 16th in the 50m freestyle.

She says one of the highlights was being part of the wider New Zealand team.

“I loved being part of the greater New Zealand team and mingling with athletes from other sports. I was so grateful to be there.”

The experience also gave her a different perspective on New Zealand’s place on the international sporting stage.

“New Zealand really punches above our weight at major international competitions, so it was amazing to see the whole team doing so well.”

Milana says knowing that Glasgow had stepped up made the experience even more meaningful.

“This made the event feel so special, knowing that if Glasgow did not put their hand up, I might not have had the opportunity to compete at a Commonwealth Games.”

She was also impressed by the welcome from the host city.

“The locals were extremely friendly, every single volunteer would acknowledge you as you walked around arenas and athlete areas. It was really cool to see all the athletes walking around the city, it was so unique.”

The Scottish summer was another memorable part of the trip.

“It was peak summer in Glasgow but I was wearing warm layers almost every time I was outside. The days weren't hot and I didn't see a lot of sun so I didn't come back with that European tan!”

Competing at an international level while studying is a significant commitment, and she says compromises are required when major competitions come around.

The combination of training, travel and the demands of being part of a national team meant her usual routine changed considerably.

“Because I was somewhere so different than what I am used to, I was spending double the time commuting to the pool each day, trying to find a routine that worked for me, and also having to comply with events and timelines that had been organised for me by team staff.”

Milana trains around 25 hours a week and also works more than 20 hours a week alongside part-time study.

She credits Massey and the Academy of Sport with helping make it all possible.

“Rohan Das from the Academy of Sport has been so supportive, as well as my lecturers, so I am very grateful to Massey.”

Fellow Massey swimmer Cameron Gray also represented New Zealand in Glasgow, competing in the 4x100m freestyle mixed relay, as well as the men’s 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

Cameron helped the mixed relay team gain a fourth place finish, while finishing 17th in the 100m freestyle and 19th in the 50m butterfly.

For Cameron, one of the highlights was the team aspect of the Games.

“My time at the Comm Games was fun, it was my first time properly competing in relay events with a large team focus, which I really enjoyed.”

Cameron is studying towards a Bachelor of Science. He says communication with his lecturers help him manage the competing demands of university and elite sport.

“I kept in touch with lecturers and make sure that they are fully aware of my sports commitments. This allows me to get extensions when needed.”

For Cameron, the Commonwealth Games ranks just behind the Olympics Games among his international sporting experiences.

“The Commonwealth Games is my second biggest competition, with only the Paris Olympics being bigger.”

His ambitions are already focused on the next Olympic cycle.

“My future goals involve qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games and getting into an Olympic final.”

A strong Massey contingent

Lewis, Eliza, Milana and Cameron were part of a large group of Massey students and alumni who competed in Glasgow.

Swimming produced some of the standout results. Bachelor of Science student Erika Fairweather won three silver medals in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle, along with bronze in the 200m freestyle and women’s 4x200m freestyle relay. She also competed in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

Other Massey-connected swimmers included Chelsey Edwards, Eve Thomas, Hazel Ouwehand, Savannah-Eve Martin and Zoe Pedersen.

Across athletics, alumna Zoe Hobbs won gold in the women’s 100m while Nick Palmer finished sixth in the men’s shot put, Nick Southgate seventh in the pole vault and Olivia McTaggart fourth in the women’s pole vault.

Cycling also delivered a strong haul. Emma Foy won two gold medals in the 1000m time trial and sprint, while Jessie Hodges won two golds in the 1000m time trial and sprint tandem. Emily Shearman and Prudence Fowler were part of the women's 4000m team pursuit silver-medal-winning team.

In netball, current and former Massey students Amelia Walmsley, Karin Burger, Kimiora Poi and Martina Salmon were part of the New Zealand team that won gold. 

Ella Fotu won bronze in 3x3 basketball, while Matanoko McDonald, representing the Cook Islands, competed in the women's +86kg weightlifting category and Zach Saunders, representing Jersey, competed in the 100m and 200m.