IT was a moment that David “Tolu” Young and Anahira McCutcheon will cherish forever.
The two swimming stars proudly led Team Fiji into the Opening Ceremony of the 23rd Commonwealth Games at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday, carrying the nation’s hopes onto one of the biggest stages in international sport.
Young had the honour of carrying the Fiji flag, while McCutcheon bore the Commonwealth King’s Baton as Team Fiji marched alongside athletes from 74 nations and territories to officially launch the Games.
The historic ceremony, held indoors for the first time in Commonwealth Games history due to a compressed competition schedule, was brought to life by performances from Scottish artists KT Tunstall and Nina Nesbitt, before King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a dramatic entrance in a Doctor Who-inspired TARDIS.
Officially opening the Games, King Charles III described the Commonwealth as “a unique and extraordinary family of nations” and praised the athletes’ dedication, saying their perseverance would inspire people across the Commonwealth.
For Young and McCutcheon, leading Team Fiji into the arena was fitting recognition for years of hard work and outstanding performances in the pool.
Young has emerged as one of Fiji’s leading swimmers after winning three silver medals at the 2023 Pacific Games and setting a national record at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
At the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, he amassed two gold and four silver medals before going on to claim three golds at this year’s Oceania Swimming Championships.
McCutcheon has enjoyed an equally impressive rise.
The young swimmer won four silver and five bronze medals at the 2023 Pacific Games before representing Fiji at the Paris Olympics.
As the Fiji flag flew high inside the OVO Hydro, Young and McCutcheon stood proudly at the front of the national delegation, signalling the start of Team Fiji’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the nation’s quest for success over the next 11 days.
