The La Trobe Masters of Physiotherapy Practice student reached the final of the Men’s 400m event in Glasgow, and more than held his own in a star-studded field featuring some of the world’s best.
As one of the top eight qualifiers in the Commonwealth, Reynolds received an automatic passage into the semi-finals of the Men’s 400m without having to compete in the heats. Coming up against a field featuring the defending Commonwealth Games gold medallist Muzala Samukonga, the 21-year-old blitzed his semi-final competitors to win the race by three-tenths-of-a second.
Reynolds’ semi-final time of 45.63s came despite a huge headwind at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium that played havoc with all competitors, and ensured he qualified fourth fastest overall for the final.
Speaking to Channel 7 after the semi-final, Reynolds credited his preparation in comparable training conditions at home in Melbourne as a huge factor in his statement-making performance.
“It (the headwind) was so tough – I was just trying to stay patient.” Reynolds said.
“I’m from Melbourne and I’ve run at Lakeside (Stadium) a million times, so it’s the same thing – just stay patient, calm and try hold on.
“I’m pumped - I was waiting for everybody to come at me at the last turn, (so) I just put it out there, tried to hold on and I did. I’m a bit shocked to be honest.”
In the knowledge he had nothing to lose and everything to gain, Reynolds returned to the starting blocks two days later ready to make his debut Commonwealth Games finals appearance. Coming up against an insanely talented field featuring six of the world’s top 15 ranked competitors in the Men’s 400m event, Reynolds produced another terrific run of 45.57s in the final to finish in fifth place behind Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene, and Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie.
Statement Made 😮💨
— Australian Athletics (@AustralianAths) August 1, 2026
Thomas Reynolds made his mark on his Commonwealth Games debut, finishing fifth in the Men's 400m Final in a time of 45.57.
A strong performance from the 21-year-old, backing up his semi-final victory with another composed showing on the big stage. 🤝… pic.twitter.com/EJRqdcyEtD
Reynolds was also part of Australia’s 4x400m mixed relay team that was unfortunately disqualified in the final. After running a terrific leg and playing a major role in the Australian team leading at the final changeover, a Commonwealth Games gold medal was heartbreakingly wrenched from the grasp of Reynolds and his teammates when Jemma Pollard fell over in the final leg whilst leading the race.
Despite the mixed relay disappointment, Reynolds’ performances at his first major international event as part of a senior Australian athletics team have had many well-placed judges announcing him as a star on the rise. Acclaimed Australian broadcaster Bruce McAvaney described Reynolds’ semi-final performance as “special”, while fellow Channel 7 commentator Tamsyn Manou said the Commonwealth Games experience will hold him in good stead for the future.
“It was a fantastic performance by Thomas Reynolds. What an occasion for him to be in a field like that,” Manou said speaking in the immediate aftermath of the Men’s 400m final.
“At the World Championships next year when he gets to a heat, that will be what he is coming up against and now he knows exactly what he needs to do.”
Reynolds will now return to Melbourne to continue his studies at La Trobe, whilst also turning his attention to preparing to qualify for the World Athletics Championships which are set to take place in Beijing next year.
To learn more about how Reynolds’ balances his sporting and academic commitments, visit La Trobe Sport's Instagram.
