On July 23 this year, the day of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Rhiannon Clarke will turn 24.
The perfect birthday present she hopes will be a gold medal in Glasgow, to add to the silver she won as a 15-year-old in the Gold Coast in 2018, and the bronze four years later in Birmingham in 2022.
It’s an incredible achievement that when she turns 24, she will be a veteran of three Commonwealth Games in the T38 para event.
This time the 200m has been added to the 100m in the T38 classification, and she has been selected to run both, giving her an extra opportunity to go for a medal.
The West Australian can’t wait to run again, in a team alongside her para and able bodied teammates.
“I think the Commonwealth Games are so special because it’s important to showcase para athletes and build more awareness to what we do,” Clarke said.
“It’s kind of a different atmosphere compared to the World Championships and Paralympics.
“To have more exposure for para sports is such a positive thing, and having that combined team is really fun.”
Speaking to Australian Athletics, Clark had just returned from a study trip observing the behaviour of magpies, as part of her Bachelor of Biological Science, at the University of Western Australian in Perth.
She enjoys the degree as it enables her to continue to chase more medals at major competitions around the world.
Clarke is one of the most experienced Australian athletes on the para athletics team, with only Angela Ballard (five) and Ella Pardy (four), competing in more Commonwealth Games than her.
She is proud of her legacy, and has years to go yet, including aiming for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“I think now we know the Commonwealth Games are continuing, I would like to have a crack in 2030 if there are para events,” she said.
“I definitely also will be looking forward to Brisbane in 2032, I’ll be 30 years then, so it’s achievable.”
Clarke is relishing being part of what is being called a golden age of athletics, across the entire sport.
“It’s so great to see so many athletes up and coming, both in the able bodied and para events,” she said.
“There are so many younger T38 runners chasing me, and it’s been a while since we had that.
“It’s definitely nerve wracking, but it keeps me on my toes and means I have to bring my A game when I run.
“The great thing is all the other athletes coming up are also very nice and genuine people.
“I know they want to continue the legacy of so many para-athletes and Paralympians.”
Clarke is one of 24 Para-athletes announced for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, announced yesterday. The full team is available HERE
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 8/5/2026
