Here's a selection of what the athletes have had to say as the action heats up in Glasgow. 

Australia have so far been winning fans and overpowering all-comers in the Netball tournament. On Sunday it was England who were the victims, going down 66-47 to the champions from Birmingham 2022. According to the Diamonds' goal shooter Sophie Garbin (pictured) there is a good reason the Scottish crowd is getting behind the Aussies: 

"We had a great time in Edinburgh, loved that. It was a bit like ‘spot the tourist’ because we were wearing our ‘I Love Scotland’ T-shirts. Lots of friendly people, to be honest everyone’s friendly in Scotland – especially when you’re playing the English, then they’re even more friendly to you."

Gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera has switched allegiance from the USA to Sri Lanka, the nation of her parents' birth, and has been relishing her time in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games:

“It was my first Opening Ceremony ever, so I will always remember that. It's something I've tattooed in my brain because it was just so incredible. I've met such incredible people, and it's an experience that I will remember forever.” 

It could have been a 'blink and you'll miss it' moment, but Scotland's Stephanie Kernachan was determined to remain upbeat despite exiting the Boxing competition in her opening bout of the Women's 54kg:

"This has been my whole career, has been all geared up toward this moment. It's weird because it's always been in the future, but it was here right now, today, so aye, it's here, and it's done and really gutted that it's over already."

Pakistan bowler Mohammed Ayub Qureshi, owner of a Glasgow-based restaurant, has become something of a breakout star at the 2026 Games. His surprise Men's Singles win over section leader Rajnesh Prasad of Fiji on Sunday reignited the semi-final hopes of home favourite Jason Banks: 

“I did Jason a favour there, so I expect him to come to the restaurant and buy a curry (laughs).”

Gymnast Reuben Ward will never forget the local support at the Glasgow International Arena, after he won Scotland's first-ever Men’s Artistic Gymnastics All-Around gold medal.

"Everyone was jumping around me, screaming and celebrating. That was so special. It was a wave of emotions I'd never experienced before. Then standing in front of the crowd with my flag, just living in the moment and loving it. Running around giving people high fives felt so surreal. Everyone wanted to high five me, and I loved it. It was great."

When you're away from home for long periods, it's nice to have a reminder of your loved ones close at hand. Or in the case of Australia's Basketball 3x3 star Marena Whittle - whose playing career has taken her around the world - tattooed on your skin:

"I have been playing away from home for the last 12 years, so this is my way of keeping everyone with me. I have got my mum, my brother and my family all over my body. And Hercules on my shoulder - that is for myself."

Weightlifter Morea Baru claimed Papua New Guinea’s first medal of the Games, taking bronze in the Men’s 65kg category, and said he knew his family would be watching from home, despite it being 4am on the Pacific Island nation.

“I'm so happy to win this medal for my country, and I know they're still awake. It's four o'clock there, but I know, especially my family, they're still awake cheering for me… Before the competition they were saying, ‘We're going to be up. We don't care what time it is, we'll be up cheering for you, so go for it’. So that pushed me to win this medal.”