Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman leave the Scotstoun track on Wednesday, with the focus on the 13‑man mile final Saturday night. The meeting of the two Scots feels like the moment Glasgow 2026 has been building to. Kerr, the fastestţ ever over the distance, and Wightman, the former world champion over 1500m, are childhood pals from Edinburgh racing in Glasgow’s west end since they were juniors.

Both are determined to win gold for Scotland in the historic, reinstated, Blue Riband event of these Games. But the narrative will be written by those who know athletics – Cam Myers of Australia, 20, who edged Wightman in their heat with a time almost five seconds faster than Kerr’s. Athletes will also watch the other Australian, Olli Hoare, who tripped early in Kerr’s heat but secured his place after an appeal.

Steve Cram, former mile world record holder and three‑time Commonwealth champion, praised the inclusion of the mile, last run in 1966, and noted parallels with the 1954 Vancouver Games. He said the race would be "fascinating" and "really close," warning that home advantage can bring pressure.

The Scottish crowd will roar, but the real question remains: who will be the man on Saturday night?