Finding the Games spirit in Glasgow

The HPSNZ physiotherapist travelled to Glasgow 2026 with the New Zealand swimming team, adding another major event to an impressive Games résumé that includes four Commonwealth Games, one Summer one Winter Olympic Games and two Winter Paralympic Games.

Working alongside an NSO rather than as part of a central New Zealand team gave the experience a different feel. And without a traditional athletes’ village, there were fewer of the extras often associated with major multi-sport events.

But Becs says the swimmers embraced being part of Team New Zealand in ways she had not seen before.

“I think we actually embraced that one-team culture more this time around,” she reflects. “The swimmers really embraced what it meant to be part of the New Zealand team.”

Based at the pool from early morning until late evening, Becs spent most of her time in the athletes’ team area, providing treatment and support wherever it was needed. The role demanded flexibility, long days and the ability to adapt quickly.

“We expected long days with extreme pockets of busyness and a lot of hurry up and wait, which was pretty much what it was,” she says.

One of the key learnings from Glasgow was that planning can only take a team so far. Once on the ground, success often depended on problem-solving and collaboration.

Becs points to the support provided around swimmer Erika Fairweather’s demanding competition schedule as a perfect example.

With Erika racing multiple events, her team knew rapid refuelling between races was critical. To make it work, support staff across disciplines stepped in to help.

Becs recalls how Performance Nutritionist Christel Dunshea-Mooij was able to enlist NZOC Media Manager James Bennett ensuring Erika was able to eat immediately after leaving the pool, before fulfilling media commitments.

“It was performance first,” says Becs. “Everyone got around the problem and found a way to make it work.”

The experience also reinforced the value of New Zealand’s distinctive way of operating.

Becs says that being friendly, respectful and adaptable often opened doors and solved challenges more effectively than demanding solutions.

For physios heading to their first Games, her advice is simple: embrace both the busy periods and the quieter moments.

“Sometimes you’re not going to be busy and actually just being there, chatting and connecting, can have as much performance impact as treatment itself.”

The people were the highlight for Becs. And one moment in particular stands out. After years working with Para swimmer Josh Willmer, she received an unexpected and truly heartfelt thank you from the athlete during the Games.

“Josh is a real joker and I kept waiting for the joke, but it never came.”

For Becs, those small moments, alongside seeing athletes proudly embrace New Zealand culture and identity on the world stage, were what made Glasgow special.

And while the medals captured public attention, she is quick to acknowledge the people behind the scenes.

“You can’t do these kinds of things without the whole team behind the team.”

The Glasgow experience may have looked different from previous Commonwealth Games, but for Becs it ultimately reinforced a familiar lesson: great performances are built on relationships, adaptability and a collective commitment to helping athletes thrive.