Scottish decathlete Joel McFarlane is setting his sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow, just three hours from his hometown.
A seasoned competitor in the grueling ten-event discipline, McFarlane has taken an international route in his training, spending the next year and a half at Texas Christian University to prepare for the prestigious competition.
McFarlane began his collegiate athletic journey at the University of Texas at San Antonio before transferring to TCU for his final year of NCAA eligibility in the 2023-24 season.
Now, even beyond his collegiate career, he remains in Fort Worth, refining his skills under the expert guidance of multis coach Marissa Chew (TCU) and renowned decathlon coach Chris Huffins.
Huffins, a former Olympian in the decathlon, has worked with elite athletes, including Lindon Victor, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in the event.
Training at TCU provides McFarlane with access to world-class facilities and a highly competitive environment that pushes him to new heights. His goals are a reflection of his athletic growth.
“I’d love to break the Scottish record this year. I’m currently second all-time, and I’d like to become first and also break the 8,000 points barrier, which is a big milestone in a decathlete’s career,” said McFarlane.
To do this, his regimen includes intensive technical work, strength conditioning and mental preparation, all designed to enhance his performance across all ten decathlon events.
“I just need to stay healthy and continue working on the things I am doing and continue to trust coach Huffins and Chew,” said McFarlane.
With Huffins’ experience and Chew’s expertise, McFarlane is honing the skills necessary to compete at the highest level.
After Scotland stepped forward to host the previously unassigned 2026 Commonwealth Games, McFarlane’s participation in Glasgow took on special significance.
Training intensively in the United States, his journey embodies both individual commitment and Scottish pride. Beyond mere participation, he aims to leave his mark in the decathlon, driven to excel as he represents his nation on home ground.
