Australia capped a dominant performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, topping the final medal table with 171 total medals, including 70 golds. England finished a distant second with 29 gold medals and 110 overall medals as the competition came to a close.
The highlight of Australia's campaign came on the track inside the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where the nation's cycling squad collected 10 gold medals and 28 total medals. The campaign was defined not only by record-breaking times, but also by emotional comebacks from illness and near-retirement.
Cyclist Georgia Baker was named Australia’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony after matching a historic milestone. Despite suffering from severe illness during a crucial training camp just days before the Games, Baker earned gold in both the team pursuit and scratch race, along with a silver in the elimination race. Her achievements placed her among Australia’s legendary five-time Commonwealth Games gold medalists alongside Anna Meares, Matt Glaetzer, and Brad McGee.
Baker was surprised with the flag bearer honor by team chef de mission Petria Thomas right after taking second place in the elimination race behind teammate Alyssa Polites. For Polites, winning gold marked a triumphant return to the sport after health struggles almost led her to retire. The two teammates worked together late in the race to secure a one-two finish for Australia.
On the men’s side, Leigh Hoffman made Australian cycling history by becoming the first cyclist from the country to win four medals at a single Commonwealth Games. Hoffman claimed gold in the 1-kilometer time trial with a Games-record time of 58.530 seconds, bringing his individual campaign tally to three golds and one silver.
The track cycling team's overall success provides strong momentum for the Australian squad as they look ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics with growing confidence.