The final three days of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promise to deliver fast-paced action, dramatic finishes and plenty of medal opportunities as Team Canada's judokas step onto the tatami at the Scottish Exhibition Campus (SEC).
Canada arrives in Glasgow with a balanced team of experienced international contenders and exciting newcomers eager to make their mark on one of sport's biggest stages. While eight athletes will be making their Commonwealth Games debut, the squad is anchored by proven performers who know what it takes to compete under the pressure of a major multi-sport Games.
Leading the charge is Kyle Reyes, who returns after winning Commonwealth silver in Birmingham 2022. One of Canada's most accomplished judokas, Reyes brings Olympic and world championship experience as he continues his run towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Alongside him is Coralie Godbout, who narrowly missed the podium four years ago with a fifth-place finish and arrives in Glasgow in the best form of her career, currently ranked among the world's elite in the -78 kg division.
The remainder of the Canadian squad showcases the next generation of judo talent. Laurence Biron, Charlie Thibault, Evelyn Beaton, Heidi Quach, Julien Frascadore, Guillaume Gaulin and John Messe A Bessong will all make their Commonwealth Games debuts, bringing international experience and the confidence to challenge for podium finishes.
"There's nothing quite like walking into a major Games knowing you're representing your country. Glasgow is another opportunity for this team to show the depth of Canadian judo,” says Kyle Reyes, Team Canada judoka. “We've put in the work, we're ready to compete, and we're excited to test ourselves against some of the best athletes in the Commonwealth. I think fans are going to see a team that competes with heart, confidence and pride every time we step onto the mat."
With every match decided by explosive technique, tactical precision and mental toughness, judo consistently delivers some of the most compelling moments of the Commonwealth Games. Canada's team will look to add to the nation's proud history in the sport when competition begins on July 31.
Click here for the full Team Canada judo team announcement.