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WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO PLAY AT THE GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES A month on since the start of the Glasgow 2026, three-time Gold medallist, Sian Honnor, reflects on the experience of her fifth Commonwealth Games. |
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From the outside, people see the
matches, the results, the medals and maybe snippets of television
coverage. What they don't always see are the emotions that come with
wearing an England shirt and knowing you're representing everyone
who has helped you get there. Walking into the competition venue for the first time is always an unforgettable moment. Glasgow 2026 was different from any previous Commonwealth Games because, for the first time, bowls was played indoors. I'd imagined what this might look like but didn't really know what to expect. That first glimpse was incredible - and very bright! The lights were intense, two lots of two rinks with a stand along the length of each side. It was an impressive set up that allowed four matches to both take place and be streamed at the same time, with music playing throughout. Spectators felt close to the rinks and there was a real buzz with every game played. Naming the rinks after established players was a lovely touch and the effort that had been put into every detail stood out - it was a very well-oiled machine with staff and volunteers making everything very easy for players. It may surprise people to know that the practice sessions consisted of six minutes on a separate portable rink in a different room to the main venue. If we hurried, we could get four ends in during this time. The pace was not the same and sometimes this slot would be an hour before the match, but it was good to get the arm going as we were only allowed one trial end in each game. Days consisted of one game, at most two, so there was a lot of dead time, and it was impossible to get into any kind of rhythm, with some interesting timings - including a semi-final starting at 8.40pm. As bowlers playing in top level competitions, we're used to controlling our emotions and staying calm under pressure. But in that particular environment, with the addition of a shot clock, that felt harder than usual to tap in to. This Games the spectators in the crowd really gave us that extra boost on the green - you could clearly pick out familiar voices, and it was impossible not to feel that their support was urging us on.  One of the things that surprised me most this time round was the interaction with other athletes. I have been fortunate to play in five Commonwealth Games, with the first three having an athletes' village. In those, everywhere you looked there were competitors from different sports, different countries and different backgrounds. You could find yourself having breakfast next to an Olympic medallist or chatting to a gymnast while waiting for the bus. This time we stayed in a hotel with predominantly Team England athletes but because it was smaller, we could actually spend a bit of time with other sports and have conversations. A massive highlight was being able to go and support the netball team and basketball players who we'd interacted with, then celebrate their success when we saw them back at the hotel afterwards. For bowls to be named as one of the ten sports in this slimmed down Commonwealth Games was absolutely amazing for our sport, and I genuinely felt that 2026 was the year that bowls felt on a level playing field. As the only chance we have to compete in a multi-sport event, this is incredibly important to raise the profile of our game. Bowls in general had lots of coverage in the media, and it was the only sport with competition on every day of the Games. There were also a number of bowlers named as flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony, including myself, which was an honour that I could never have imagined. Being voted by Team England athletes to lead them into the velodrome was a pinch me moment that set the tone for the rest of my week. It was so special and something I'll always hold on to, and I managed to stay on my feet which was a bonus for someone that frequently misses their step! The format of the Games also helped to engage people - I had friends from all different spheres of my life not only watching the bowls but being hooked by what they saw and invested in the outcomes, even when England weren't playing. The short, sharp sets play definitely made this more appealing and a number of athletes from other sports popped into the bowls venue to watch. Their feedback also suggested that bite-size games are the key to keeping non-bowlers entertained. For the players, the format made everything feel tougher than usual. Every bowl suddenly feels more important. Every shot had the ability to change a match in a way that simply doesn't happen when a game is allowed to play out over more ends. Every decision was also magnified because of the shot clock and the sets raced by far quicker than all our test matches. The route to the final stages; small groups, only one qualifier and straight to a semi-final, made the wins feel even more satisfying and the losses harder to take. Many amazing players missed out of getting out of the group and medals, some on shot difference or sets won. That is very hard to take.  When
our section of the tournament came to an end, there was a strange
mixture of emotions. Relief that we had thrown ourselves over the
line after a very intense six months, pride in representing England
and immense gratitude - both towards everyone who helped me get
there and for being selected in the first place.Sadness that it was over in a flash and also a hunger for what comes next (after a little rest). It was, however, lovely to soak it all in and celebrate our achievement whilst supporting the rest of the team. The last six months since we found out who was going to Glasgow, have been intense. There has been a lot of hours on the green, which you'd expect, but the preparation has consisted of setbacks, tears, frustration and grit. They have also given me a stark reminder of why I fell in love with bowls in the first place, and why I'm so passionate about its survival. The Commonwealth Games is totally unique, and my takeaway memories are made up of moments both on and off the green. Taking my daughter to watch the artistic gymnastics was incredible, ending up courtside for the 3 x 3 basketball finals with Nick Brett appearing on screen every time a team entered the court, hugging Amy with joy when we won our semi-final on the last bowl, Sandy Hazell very nearly knocking Prince Edward over, commentating on a couple of matches once I'd finished playing; the list goes on.  Ultimately, working in a team alongside someone I've known for almost 20 years but haven't played with since the Australian Open back in 2010, and supporting each other through the highs and lows are what will stay with me. Winning is unforgettable, but so are the friendships you build. No matter how many years go by, you will always have that time together. It's been the same for every Games I have been involved in. Bowls may be about precision and performance, but it's also about resilience and representing something bigger than yourself. The support I received from back home and across England- family, friends, colleagues, teammates, my clubs and county - I can't thank you all enough. It means so much and will never go unnoticed. Sian Honor Photos courtesy of World Bowls/ Sporting Highlights We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - CAMBRIDGE CHESTERTON IBC: CONTINUALLY INVESTING IN THE FUTURE |
August 2026
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