Mary Stevenson, who became Scotland’s oldest female gold medallist at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, has died two months after her triumphant performance. The 73-year-old Scottish bowler claimed gold in the Para Mixed Pairs B2–B3 event, cementing a remarkable sporting journey that began relatively late in life.
Stevenson’s achievement in Glasgow represented the pinnacle of an extraordinary comeback story. Having only taken up bowls at the age of 61, she demonstrated the determination that would eventually lead her to Commonwealth Games glory. Her success at Glasgow 2026 proved that age need not be a barrier to reaching sport’s highest levels.
Legacy of Inspiration
Jon Doig, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, reflected on Stevenson’s impact. “I was privileged to witness Mary winning her gold medal in Glasgow this summer,” Doig said. “She was an inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed.”
Her teammates in the Para Mixed Pairs event—Robert Barr, Sarah Jane Ewing, and Jim Doig—were among those who experienced firsthand the character and joy Stevenson brought to the sport. The partnership that produced gold medals would remain one of the defining moments of their careers, forever linked to the remarkable woman who helped achieve it.
Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, was among the officials and teammates who paid tribute to Stevenson’s contributions to Scottish sport. The outpouring of recognition for Stevenson underscored the profound effect her presence had on everyone around her during her time at the Glasgow Games.
The bowler’s death marks the end of an inspiring chapter in Commonwealth Games history, one that demonstrated the transformative power of sport across all ages and abilities.