Commonwealth Games judo champion Nekoda Smythe-Davis has stated that an Olympic gold medal is essential to cement judo's profile and expand the sport's reach in the United Kingdom. The Glasgow 2014 gold-medallist in the under-57kg weight class for Team England announced her retirement in May 2025 but expressed hope that her successors will achieve new heights in the sport.
Judo's Credibility and Olympic Aspirations
“The Commonwealth Games gives judo so much more credibility. It’s a sport where we don’t get the credibility like other athletes with bigger profiles,” she said. “We haven’t consistently medalled and didn’t have a great Olympic Games in Paris. I think that for judo to remain in a high-profile position, someone will have to win an Olympic gold. I’m sad it won’t be me since my retirement, but it will be a happy day when Team GB break that ceiling.”
Glasgow 2026 and Team England Futures
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, the same Scottish city that hosted the 2014 edition. In partnership with Commonwealth Games England, SportsAid delivers the Team England Futures programme, which provides athletes, coaches, and support staff with insight into the demands of multi-sport events, preparing them for future Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
“I remember walking out of the tunnel in Glasgow and getting onto the side of the mat,” she recalled. “I remember hearing people shout my name, which I'd never really had before. I think that the Commonwealths have really helped to raise the profile of judo in the UK and it was just amazing for Team England.
“I was only 21 years old when I went to Glasgow 2014, and that was my first multi-sport games. It was also the first time that I had won a gold medal at a big event, so it was a whirlwind. It was an amazing experience, and it hadn't really sunk in straight away that I'd just won the Commonwealth Games gold. But I now think that if I fast forward over 12 years, the Commonwealth Games has been a constant. Although I was super nervous, having home advantage at the Commonwealth Games really helped me.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Smythe-Davis spoke at SportsAid Live, an event at Alexander Stadium that brought together young people, parents, carers, and coaches to discuss and seek advice on preparing for elite sport. The King’s Baton Relay also stopped at Alexander Stadium as part of its route to Glasgow 2026, with Team England’s official automotive partner Geely playing a central role in England’s leg.
The Londoner expressed pride in helping young athletes navigate the challenges of growing up while competing at the highest level. “It is a full circle moment because I am directly involved in something that I know works. SportsAid helped me and I can then say to today’s young athletes that it can do the same for them. It feels like SportsAid were right at the start of my journey and helped nurture me in a sporting sense.
“When you come to events like SportsAid Live, it's an opportunity for athletes to meet each other, to mingle, and to relate to one another.”
Commonwealth Games England has appointed SportsAid to lead the delivery of Team England Futures for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Building on the success of the programme at Birmingham 2022, Team England Futures will provide athletes, coaches, and support staff with valuable insight and experience of a major multi-sport Games environment, helping them prepare for future Commonwealth, Olympic, and Paralympic opportunities.
