The Next Chapter Begins for Sarah Adlington: Olympian and Two-time Commonwealth Games Champion

The day before her fifth birthday, Sarah stepped on the mat for the very first time. Now, thirty-five years later and twenty-two years as an elite athlete, Sarah hangs up her competitive judogi for the final time following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

The roar inside the SECC and the overwhelming pride shared by everyone present will be a lasting memory for those who have been part of her journey; not many athletes are lucky enough to receive a standing ovation from a home crowd to round off their career, but the magnitude of support from those in the arena on Sunday is a testament to the admiration felt towards Sarah and the legacy she has built throughout the years.

Having competed on every major international stage for more than two decades - including multiple European Championships, three Commonwealth Games, seven World Championships, and the 2020 Olympic Games - Sarah has rightfully earned recognition as one of Scotland’s most accomplished athletes. Her successes have been recognised through her induction into the University of Edinburgh’s Sports Hall of Fame and her recent selection as Team Scotland’s King’s Baton Bearer for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Sarah’s longevity competing at the highest level has required dedication and resilience, which is evident in her character; she is loyal, displays integrity and wears her heart on her sleeve. What you see is what you get, and this was reflected in her emotional interview straight after stepping off the mat at the Commonwealth Games. 

Throughout her career, Sarah has carried zero regrets. She gave everything she could to perform, bounced back from major setbacks, and most importantly, made fantastic memories along the way. In her own words:

“The moment I focused on being better than yesterday, everything changed.”

From throwing opponents with force on the biggest stages to coaching children, adults, and mentoring young people across programmes, Sarah has been a role model to all and a well-known face at every event. As she transitions from a high‑performance athlete into the next chapter, she will continue to champion women and girls, working to positively impact lives through the power of sport in alignment with the values of the judo moral code.

Enjoy your retirement, Sarah. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you!