Q&A: Amanda Coulson on the the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games are almost upon us. For the first time, England Performance will be represented on the coaching squad, with both Amanda Coulson and Dean Sugden travelling in a supporting role. With just two weeks left until the Games begin, England Performance Lead National Coach Amanda Coulson discusses her role, the Games and the pride she feels for the boxers.

What is your role at the Commonwealth Games, and what does it entail?

I’ll be travelling to Glasgow with the team as a support coach, assisting the competition coaches on a day-to-day basis to support the boxers being ready to compete and fulfil their performance potential. I’ll be involved in team meetings, helping deliver training sessions and making sure the boxers stay prepared, focused and ready to perform when they step into the ring.

How do you help a boxer prepare in the moments leading up to a bout?

Boxers are people, and everyone is different.  So, it’s about understanding what they need in those final moments before heading to the ring.  For some, it’s keeping things calm; for others, it’s keeping the energy high.  They’ll do some warm-ups, pad work, and talk tactics, but then it’s about letting the boxer lead us. Ultimately, it’s about reminding them of the work they’ve put in, reinforcing the tactics and making sure they step into the ring feeling confident and ready.

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach at a major Games?

I think watching the boxers you’ve worked with from a young age compete for England, on one of the biggest stages in amateur boxing, is incredibly rewarding. You see the sacrifices they’ve made and the hard work that’s gone into getting there from them, their clubs, their families – so being part of that journey and seeing them perform to the best of their ability is something really special.

You’ve got a great relationship with the whole team, having coached most of them throughout the England Performance Pathway. How much pride does it give you to see them on this stage?

It makes me incredibly proud. I’ve had the privilege of working with many of these boxers as they’ve progressed through the England Performance pathway, so to see them earn the opportunity to represent their country at a Commonwealth Games is fantastic. They’ve all put in years of dedication to get here – the hard yards, training camps, sparring, travelling, competitions – so seeing them reach this level is a real credit to their commitment and the work they’ve done.

What are your hopes for the England Boxing team at these Commonwealth Games?

My biggest hope is that every boxer performs to the best of their ability and enjoys the experience of representing England on such a big stage. If they do that, I’m confident the results will follow. Of course, we’d love to come home with plenty of medals, but just as importantly, we want everyone to leave knowing they’ve done themselves and the team proud.

You can keep up to date with England’s progress at the Commonwealth Games by clicking here.

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