Misha Koudinov in rare air with sixth Commonwealth Games selection
Misha Koudinov will attend his sixth Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Photo: Photosport
Veteran gymnast Misha Koudinov is set to make further New Zealand sporting history when he competes at a sixth Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year.
The 35-year-old artistic gymnast has been named in New Zealand’s team for Glasgow 2026, extending an international career that began when he made his Commonwealth Games debut at Melbourne 2006 as a 14-year-old.
Koudinov will become just the third New Zealand athlete to compete at six Commonwealth Games, joining track and field athlete Robin Tait and lawn bowls representative Rowan Brassey. Only shooter Greg Yelavich has made more Commonwealth Games appearances for New Zealand, with seven.
His selection headlines a seven-strong artistic gymnastics team that blends experience with emerging talent.
Among the other notable inclusions is Courtney McGregor, who returns to major international competition after five years away from the sport’s highest level. The Olympian represented New Zealand at Rio 2016 and will finally get the chance to compete in Glasgow after injury forced her withdrawal from the 2014 Games.
Courtney McGregor competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Photo: Tim Clayton/Getty Images
William Fu-Allen has earned selection for a second Commonwealth Games campaign after competing at Birmingham 2022. The reigning New Zealand all-around champion claimed a top-24 finish on floor exercise at the 2025 World Championships and arrives in Glasgow in strong form.
Daniel Stoddart and Alex Istock have also been rewarded for a series of impressive international performances, including standout results at the Oceania Championships.
The team will feature two Commonwealth Games newcomers.
Jun McDonald secured bronze in the all-around competition at this year’s Oceania Championships, while Sienna Shields has quickly established herself on the international stage through a series of World Cup appearances after her rapid progression through the senior ranks.
Gymnastics New Zealand head of gymnastics David Phillips said the selected athletes had demonstrated both versatility and consistency on the international stage.
“We’ve selected a team who compete across multiple apparatus and formats and we’re excited to see them perform in Glasgow,” Phillips said.
“There’s a strong balance of experience and new talent, athletes who know and understand the Games environment and, importantly, athletes who’ve shown they can deliver under pressure in international competitions.”
New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol said selection was a significant achievement for each athlete.
“Wearing the fern represents the hard work these athletes have put in and is a moment to cherish with whΔnau and friends,” Nicol said.
2026 Commonwealth Games NZ Team – Artistic Gymnastics
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics:
Jun McDonald – All-Around, Uneven Bars and Floor
Courtney McGregor – Vault
Sienna Shields – Vault
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics:
Alex Istock – Horizontal Bar
Mikhail (Misha) Koudinov – Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar
Daniel Stoddart – Floor and Rings
William Fu-Allen – Floor
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