RGU Alum Joanna Robertson is representing Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, only a few years after her life was changed in the blink of an eye.

In 2019, Joanna, from Inverurie, was involved in a car accident.

She sustained a T12 spinal cord injury, leaving her paralysed from the waist down.

“I was in an intensive rehab in the Glasgow Spinal Unit for about six months or so,”, the now 27-year-old said.

After taking a break from her studies to recover, Joanna began her final year in 3D Design in 2020.

“It was a change of circumstances going back into RGU after my accident, just to finish off my final year.

“But honestly, the staff there were so accommodating.

“They did the absolute best to make this course work for me and they were so welcoming and accommodating. By hook or crook, we made it work!”

Joanna had previously had eyes on a career in jewellery design, but her path changed when she was introduced to para athletics.

“When you're first injured, so much has been taken away and you have to relearn so much of what you can or can no longer do.

“But I wanted to focus on what I can do. How far can I push myself as well?”

“Before my injury, I never thought of doing marathons or track racing, as well as many things that naturally you take for granted.

“But I never expected with that positive mindset how far you can take this sport.”

In May 2026, Joanna got the call to say she’d be representing Team Scotland in July at the Commonwealth Games in the 1500m T54. One race soon became two, when she was told she’d be competing in the 400m T54 as well.

“My goal for the Commonwealth Games is to do my absolute best to get up there.

“If I can medal, that’s a gold, regardless of what colour the medal is. That’ll be a dream come true.

“I’m very proud of how far I’ve come.

“When I look back on all the years and all the challenges and setbacks, I’m so proud of myself for persevering, continuing through, making those tough times work for myself and learning and growing from them as well.

“You’ve just got to rise to the challenge, and that’s what I’ve done and I continue to do.

“I hope that never changes.”

The Women’s 1500m T53/54 Final takes place in the evening of Wednesday 29 July 2026, while the First Round of the Women’s T53/54 400m takes place during the morning/afternoon session on Friday 31 July. 

Joanna graduated in 2021 from the BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design course, now called BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery.