Adlington upset by Marie Loanne Durhone in women’s +78kg at Commonwealth Games 2026

Marie Loanne Durhone eliminated Scotland’s Sarah Adlington in the round of 16 of the women’s +78kg judo at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, leaving the two-time champion visibly upset. Adlington, who took gold in 2014 and 2022, was in tears after the contest and again during a later interview on TNT Sports.

The defeat arrived as Glasgow approached the closing ceremony, part of a final day of competition at the Games. Adlington entered the tournament as a past two-time Commonwealth gold medallist and had been a prominent figure for Team Scotland throughout the event. Her exit in the round of 16 ended her bid for another title on this occasion. The reaction from the home crowd and the emotional aftermath drew attention alongside other final-day results in the host city.

Adlington’s reaction was immediate and raw: she was emotional in the arena following the loss and maintained that state when speaking to broadcasters afterwards. The match itself saw Durhone progress to the next round, while Adlington’s campaign at these Games concluded earlier than she had hoped. The outcome was felt keenly by supporters who had expected a deeper run from the former champion.

In her post-match interview, Adlington paid tribute to those who have supported her career, saying: "I can’t thank [enough] the people who have been in my corner during the highs and the lows of the past 22 years. It didn’t finish the way I wanted today, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I was a flag-bearer for Team Scotland."

She also reflected on the response from the crowd and what the occasion has meant to her, adding: "[Apart from] stepping away with a medal today, and hearing Flower of Scotland, what more could you ask for, really? To get a standing ovation from a home crowd shows that people appreciate what I’ve done for the sport."

Durhone’s victory removed one of the Games’ most decorated judoka from contention and provided a notable upset on the final competition day in Glasgow. Adlington’s departure marked the end of her campaign in this weight class at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and her comments underscored both the disappointment of the result and her pride in past achievements.