SHAPING WHAT COMES NEXT

At the Commonwealth Games, performance is tested long before competition begins. Travel, schedules, expectation and the weight of the world stage collide.

But for the first time, part of that system is being designed differently.

For Lauren Wann, Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement Lead at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), Glasgow presents more than an opportunity to support athletes – it is a chance to define what support looks like on the world stage.

Selected in a newly created Performance Wellbeing role, Wann steps into the Commonwealth Games environment without a blueprint, but with a clear purpose.

Build something that lasts.

If it works, the model could shape how teams support athletes at future Games.

There is no playbook for a role that has not existed before.

That is exactly what drew her to it.

“I feel incredibly excited and honoured to be selected to contribute on the world stage,” Wann says.

In Glasgow, that responsibility becomes real.

Not just to deliver support, but to define it.

“I’m looking forward to building a role that has real impact on athletes, coaches and staff, both during the Games and into the future.”

In a Commonwealth Games environment, performance is not just about preparation. It is about belief under pressure.

“When athletes step into that environment, I want them to feel ready and confident that they can focus on performing at their best when it matters most,” she says.

That confidence is built long before Glasgow.

“Each athlete will already have done important work with their Performance Wellbeing Manager in their sport or daily environment. My role is to continue and support that work on the ground in a seamless way.”

The aim is simple.

Make support feel part of the system, not something athletes have to look for.

In Glasgow, the focus extends beyond the field of play.

“The role also includes supporting the wellbeing of the HQ Performance Support Team and Commonwealth Games personnel,” Wann says.

Because performance at this level is shared.

“When staff feel supported and able to perform at their best, it creates the best possible environment for athletes.”

Success at the Commonwealth Games is rarely defined by one moment.

For Wann, it will be measured across the entire experience.

“Success would look like athletes, coaches and staff feeling they were able to perform when it mattered, had a positive overall experience, and felt genuinely supported throughout their Commonwealth Games journey,” she says.

There is a deeper goal beneath that.

“I’d hope people walk away having learned something, taken confidence from the experience, and felt that wellbeing support was proactive, practical and integrated into the Games environment.”

Not something extra.

Something expected.