Peter Thain, Professor of Sports Therapy at Birmingham City University, represented Team England at his third consecutive Commonwealth Games this summer, continuing a career supporting athletes at one of the world's largest multi-sport events.
Peter travelled to Glasgow as part of the medical team supporting 3x3 basketball squads. Having previously worked at the Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, his latest appointment reflects almost a decade of experience in elite international basketball. Alongside his role at Birmingham City University, Peter is Head of Sport Science and Medicine for the Great Britain Senior Women's Basketball Team.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Peter said:
"Representing Team England at the Commonwealth Games is an incredible privilege. It is an honour to work alongside talented athletes and support staff. One of the unique aspects of the Commonwealth Games is the atmosphere created by bringing so many sports together. Seeing the medal table develop throughout the Games creates a real sense that everyone is contributing to a collective national effort."
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The 3x3 basketball competition returned on Friday 24th July 2026 following its successful Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022, where Peter supported Team England's historic medal-winning performances. England's men's team secured a dramatic gold medal, while the women's team claimed silver in front of home crowds, helping to elevate the profile of the fast-paced format across the country.
As a sports therapist, Peter's responsibilities extend well beyond the court. Throughout the Games, Peter oversaw athlete preparation, assessed and managed injuries, delivered treatment and rehabilitation, and optimised recovery strategies. Working closely with coaches and the wider multidisciplinary performance team, his role was to ensure athletes remain physically prepared to perform throughout the tournament.
Away from international competition, Peter leads Birmingham City University's BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy course, based at the University's state-of-the-art facilities at Alexander Stadium. His continued involvement in elite sport enables him to bring real-world case studies directly into the classroom, ensuring students learn from contemporary examples of clinical practice in high-performance environments.
"Remaining active in elite sport allows me to bring authentic experiences back into the classroom. Whether it's making clinical decisions under pressure, managing athletes through the demands of tournament competition, or working within multidisciplinary performance teams, students gain an insight into the realities and challenges of working in elite sport."
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games saw England build on the success achieved in Birmingham, with the men's 3x3 team successfully defending their title and claiming gold once again, while the women's team narrowly missed out on a podium finish after being eliminated by Jamaica in the knockout stages.
Peter's appointment reflects Birmingham City University's commitment to practice-led education, creating the graduates of tomorrow.
See Peter in action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaI0RClNlNr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
