Athlete Advisory Panel
Our Athlete Advisory Panel is key to ensuring CGS remains an athlete-centred organisation by representing athlete interests and providing advice on CGS policies and programmes, and the Team Scotland experience for athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
The Panel consists of a small group of current and former Team Scotland athletes, representing the interests and voice of their fellow athletes, serving as a platform for athletes to provide feedback, make suggestions and advocate for improvements on decisions and policies that will affect them.
The Panel is led by our Athlete Director, Jodey Hughes, who also sits on the CGS Board, feeding in work done by the Panel, as well as the wider athlete viewpoint, to provide advice on policies, programmes and issues benefitting and impacting on athletes.
Athlete Advisory Panel Members
Jodey Hughes, Chair
Currently Deputy Head of Campaigns and Remissions at HMRC, Jodey represented Team Scotland in Weightlifting at two Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. She brings a wealth of experience leading high performance teams and projects in her professional career and is keen to play a part in ensuring the positive environment and support she experienced continues for future athletes.
.
“Being part of Team Scotland as an athlete has been one of the best things that has happened to me, and I am highly motivated to give back. I want to ensure all voices are heard and represented – its something I do regularly in my professional role and want to use my skills to support Team Scotland, our sports and athletes.”
Kevin Moran – Deputy Chair
Part of Scotland’s bronze medal winning team at the 2016 European Team Championships, Kevin competed for Team Scotland in squash at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018. He was Director of the Achieve programme for young athletes and coaches at Birmingham 2022, bringing his experience from his sporting career and as an Achieve participant in 2010.
.
“Being in a position to feed into policies, programmes and everything in between that will inevitably have a positive impact on athletes is something very close to my heart and life values.”
Sarah Adlington
Sarah was part of the all-conquering Team Scotland judo squad at Glasgow 2014, winning gold. She made her second Games appearance at Birmingham 2022 and, in repeating her victory, became the first Judoka ever to win two Commonwealth Games gold medals.
.
“I have a lifelong passion for sport and am extremely grateful for the experiences, abilities, practices and connections that sport has afforded me. I believe that sport can make a lasting impact on athletes, supporters and wider communities. It is my desire in life to help change lives for the better, to inspire those who may lack confidence and support those who require it. “
Tommy Alexander
Tommy competed at his second Commonwealth Games at Birmingham 2022, having been part of Scotland’s best ever men’s hockey result at Gold Coast 2018 with a sixth place finish. Outside his own playing career he is co-owner of Iconic Goalkeeping which offers a goalkeeping coaching service in Germany.
.
“I believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite, and I am eager to play a pivotal role in delivering the Commonwealth United vision as the Commonwealth Games approaches its centenary in 2030.”
Shannon Archer
Recently retired from international gymnastics, Shannon claimed Scotland’s first ever Commonwealth Games medal in women’s artistic gymnastics at Birmingham 2022 with bronze in the vault. She made her Commonwealth Games debut at Gold Coast 2018, having also represented Team Scotland at the 2011 Youth Games.
.
Shona Campbell
Shona made her Commonwealth Games debut at Birmingham 2022, finishing sixth as Team Scotland fielded a Women’s Rugby 7s team for the first time. She made her Six Nations debut in 2021 and was part of the GB 7s team that took gold at the 2023 European Games, qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
.
“Competing as part of Team Scotland has been one of my best sporting experiences, the sense of togetherness across all sports was amazing to witness and such a unique experience within elite sport. I am hugely passionate about ensuring that future athletes have the same positive experience that I had. Being part of the Athlete Advisory Panel will offer the chance for me to understand and voice the challenges and needs of Scotland’s athletes, facilitating positive change for the future.”
Ollie Carter
Ollie made his Commonwealth Games debut at Birmingham 2022, finishing in 7th place in Men’s 100m Butterfly S10. He was selected for both the 2022 and 2023 World Para-Swimming Championships, with a best individual result of 5th in the S10 400m Freestyle in 2023.
.
“Being on Team Scotland was by far the best sporting experience I have had and I am very excited to be taking a greater part in it. I hope to help continue to make Team Scotland the best team for athletes to be a part of.”
Adam Hall
Adam represented Team Scotland in badminton at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. His long term doubles partnership with Alex Dunn has seen the pair take European Junior Championships bronze, European Championships silver and become the first Scottish pair to win the Scottish Open Men’s Doubles title since 1983 when they took gold in 2019.
.
“I am really looking forward to getting to know my athletes a little bit better and to see what we can bring to the table as a panel. Being a part of Team Scotland has been such a privilege and I am really excited to be able to give something back in return.”
David Smith
David has represented Team Scotland in the high jump at three Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2014, Gold Cost 2018 and Birmingham 2022. He also competed at the European Championships in 2018 and 2022. He holds the Scottish Native Indoor Record – the best performance by a Scot in Scotland – at 2.25m, with his overall best one centimetre higher.
.