Passion, pride and parenthood drives de Villiers to Glasgow return
Veteran judoka, mother and two-time Commonwealth medallist Moira de Villiers will return to the scene of her first major international success, 14 years after she claimed silver at Glasgow 2014.
The double Olympian, who also won bronze at Birmingham 2022 in her only other Commonwealth Games appearance, has been named in New Zealand Team’s line-up for Glasgow 2026.
“Glasgow 2014 was my first Commonwealth Games, I have fond memories of competing there and I’m looking forward to going back,” said de Villiers, who made her Olympic debut at London 2012, before returning for second Games at Paris 2024.
“Wearing the fern and competing for the New Zealand Team is something I never take for granted. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend multiple Games, but the pride, passion and drive to represent my country never gets old.”
The 36-year-old is joined in the eight-strong New Zealand Team judo line-up by fellow Birmingham 2022 medallists Kody Andrews (silver) and Sydney Andrews (bronze), although the latter is subject to proving her fitness after injury.
The athlete herself insists though she will be ‘strong, fit and ready’ for the Games.
Elliot Connolly will return for a second Commonwealth Games appearance, having placed seventh four years ago and has attained his place at Glasgow 2026 despite balancing employment with high-performance training and competition.
“I am extremely proud to announce my selection for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” stated Connolly on social media. “What an honour it is to be able to represent New Zealand again at such a pinnacle event.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve this milestone. I hope I can do you all proud.”
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol says the selections represent and reflect “years of commitment and discipline to their sport.”
“I want to congratulate these athletes on making the NZ Team for Glasgow 2026,” stated Nicol.
“Judo has a strong history of representing New Zealand with pride on the international stage. We know this group will carry that tradition forward in Glasgow and embrace the opportunity to compete alongside the best athletes from across the Commonwealth.”
The Judo competition at Glasgow 2026 will take place in the final weekend of the Games at the SEC, with around 160 athletes competing across 14 weight categories.
Glasgow 2026 NZ Team Judo athletes:
- Moira de Villiers – Women’s Under 70kg
- Noah Walliss – Men’s Under 90kg
- Qona Christie – Women’s Under 63kg
- Kody Andrews – Men’s +100kg
- Elliott Connolly – Men’s Under 90kg
- Matthew Rowley – Men’s Under 100kg
- Joel Robinson – Men’s Under 73kg
- Sydnee Andrews* – Women’s +78kg
