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Anna Grimaldi
Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected to represent the New Zealand Team at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, her first Commonwealth Games appearance.
Grimaldi is the first athletics athlete named in the New Zealand Team for Glasgow and will compete in the Para athletics Women’s 100m T47, with more athletics athletes set to be confirmed in the coming months.
She said having her classification included in the Commonwealth Games for the first time was an exciting prospect.
“The Commonwealth Games has always been something I’ve wanted to experience. I’ve heard a lot about the Games from fellow athletes and I’m looking forward to getting over to Glasgow and competing,” said Grimaldi.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist said competing as part of a fully integrated New Zealand Team was something she was looking forward to.
“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.”
Grimaldi said her focus now turns to preparation.
“I’m proud of the work that’s got me to this point, but there’s still plenty to do. I'll be training here in Dunedin until mid June then the plan is to head to Europe for a few competitions before the Games.”
New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Chief Executive, Nicki Nicol, welcomed Grimaldi to the Team.
“It’s lovely to welcome Anna as our first athletics athlete to the New Zealand Team,” Nicol said.
“Anna embodies what a New Zealand Team environment is all about, she competes with pride and supports those around her. It was great to see her in Dunedin for our recent King’s Baton Relay week and we’re looking forward to cheering her on in Glasgow.”
Athletics New Zealand CEO, Cam Mitchell, congratulated Grimaldi on her selection and reinforced that further athletics announcements are on the way.
“Congratulations to Anna on her selection to the New Zealand Team for Glasgow 2026,” Mitchell said.
“Anna brings world-class experience and a proven ability to perform on the biggest stages; we’re delighted to have her as our first confirmed athletics athlete.”
“This announcement marks the start of athletics selections, and we’ll add more names in the coming months as the athletes continue to build towards Glasgow 2026,” he said.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, with able-bodied and Para athletes competing in the same Games.