Help Me Qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games

Hi, my name is Ashleigh Barnikel and I'm a self-funded Judo athlete on the Senior GB Judo Team, competing in the -48kg category.

In 2022 I represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games. My goal now is to qualify once again for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and deliver a medal winning performance. This event is especially meaningful to me because it’s one of the biggest stages in Judo and Sports where I get to compete under the Welsh flag, something that fills me with immense pride.

To qualify for the Commonwealth Games, I need to continue increasing my world ranking, which means delivering strong performances at key international competitions. In order to be competitive at that level, I must also raise the quality and quantity of my training, and gain regular exposure to top-level athletes through international training camps.

Being from a remote town in South West Wales it currently takes over two hours to travel to the nearest club that offers the level of technical support and training I need. As a self-funded athlete, I also have to work to afford my training, travel, camps, and competitions which limits the time and energy I can dedicate to my sport.

I’ve already taken steps to improve my performance, including regular trips to Paris to train in one of the strongest judo environments in the world. These visits have been invaluable in sharpening my skills and exposing me to the level of competition I’ll face on the international stage.

I have a series of international events and training camps lined up that are crucial for earning the ranking points I need to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. But attending these events comes with significant costs—for travel, accommodation, entry fees, and training expenses.

My goal is to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and deliver a medal-winning performance for Wales. With your help, I’ll be able to train, travel, and compete at the level needed to make this dream a reality.

Any support—no matter how small—will go directly towards helping me:

Attend international competitions for ranking points

Participate in high-level training camps

Cover travel, accommodation, and equipment costs

Reduce my work hours so I can dedicate more time to training and recovery

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Your support means the world to me and brings me one step closer to representing Wales on the Commonwealth stage once again.

Diolch yn fawr,

Ashleigh Barnikel