Four Western Australian athletes have been selected to represent Australia in judo at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Vas Middleton, Saya Middleton, Keishin Ochi and Maria Swan have been named in Australia’s 11-member judo team, with all four set to make their Commonwealth Games debuts. Western Australia accounts for four of the 11 athletes selected in the national squad.
The team was formally presented to the Australian judo community during the 2026 National Championships on the Gold Coast. Glasgow 2026 Deputy Chef de Mission Damian Brown OLY joined the athletes for the announcement, alongside Australian Commonwealth Games mascot Borobi.
Western Australian athletes selected
| Athlete | Club | Division | Age | Commonwealth Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vas Middleton | Perth Judo Club | Men’s U66kg | 20 | Debut |
| Saya Middleton | Perth Judo Club | Women’s U63kg | 22 | Debut |
| Keishin Ochi | UWA Judo Club | Men’s U81kg | 20 | Debut |
| Maria Swan | UWA Judo Club | Women’s U78kg | 23 | Debut |
The athletes’ divisions, ages and debut status were confirmed in the official Commonwealth Games Australia announcement. Their clubs are recorded in Judo WA’s 2026 athlete and high-performance program updates.
A special family achievement
The selection is particularly significant for siblings Vas and Saya Middleton, who will make their Commonwealth Games debuts together.
The Perth Judo Club athletes have trained alongside one another for many years, with Vas describing their joint selection as “something really special”. Saya also spoke of the pride associated with representing Australia while remaining focused on delivering her best performance in Glasgow.
Their selection reflects years of commitment from both athletes and the support of their family, coaches, training partners and the wider Perth Judo Club community.
A proud moment for Western Australian judo
The selection of four Western Australians is an outstanding achievement for the athletes and another important milestone for judo in our state.
Vas, Saya, Keishin and Maria have consistently represented Western Australia at national and international events and have established themselves among Australia’s leading senior judoka.
Judo WA congratulates each athlete on earning selection and acknowledges the enormous contribution made by their coaches, clubs, families, training partners and supporters throughout their respective journeys.
We particularly congratulate Perth Judo Club and UWA Judo Club on having athletes selected for one of the most significant international multi-sport events.
Australian judo team – Glasgow 2026
| Athlete | State | Division | Commonwealth Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Antun Neto | NSW | Men’s U60kg | Debut |
| Aoife Coughlan | VIC | Women’s U70kg | Birmingham 2022 gold medallist |
| Maeve Coughlan | VIC | Women’s U63kg | Debut |
| Tinka Easton | VIC | Women’s U52kg | Birmingham 2022 gold medallist |
| Josh Katz | NSW | Men’s U60kg | Birmingham 2022 bronze medallist |
| Vas Middleton | WA | Men’s U66kg | Debut |
| Saya Middleton | WA | Women’s U63kg | Debut |
| Keishin Ochi | WA | Men’s U81kg | Debut |
| Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi | NSW | Men’s +100kg | Birmingham 2022 |
| Maria Swan | WA | Women’s U78kg | Debut |
| Danny Vojnikovich | VIC | Men’s U90kg | Debut |
The Australian squad combines returning Commonwealth champions and medallists with seven athletes preparing to make their Games debuts.
Judo competition at Glasgow 2026 will be contested at the Scottish Event Campus from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026.
The entire Western Australian judo community wishes Vas, Saya, Keishin and Maria the very best as they continue their preparations.
We look forward to following their journey and watching them proudly represent their clubs, Western Australia and Australia on the Commonwealth Games stage.
