COMMONWEALTH Games medallist Micky Yule has left the door open to competing at the international competition for a fourth time.

The para powerlifter secured bronze in Birmingham earlier this month having twice finished just off the podium in fourth spot.

Ahead of the global event, he appeared to rule out competing at the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024 and suggested Birmingham would be his final competition.

However, speaking to Courier Sport last week, he said: “I could certainly never rule out the Commonwealth Games.

“Paris, I think, will come too soon for the rest that I want to give myself.

“But I can never give up on the Commonwealth Games – it means that much to me.

“That sounds strange but I think every athlete or competitor who puts on that Scottish vest [will tell you] it means that bit more.

“I could never give up on the Commonwealth Games.”

East Lothian Courier: Micky Yule won bronze at the Commonwealth Games and has not ruled out competing in a fourth games in 2026. Picture: Team ScotlandMicky Yule won bronze at the Commonwealth Games and has not ruled out competing in a fourth games in 2026. Picture: Team Scotland

The medal in Birmingham came less than a year after Yule won bronze at the rearranged Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Yule, who carried the Saltire alongside Kirsty Gilmour during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, highlighted the difference between the two events.

He said: “I felt great going into competition for once.

“It was the first time around the Commonwealth Games where I even turned up at the athletes’ village without an injury.

“I turned up in form and knowing where I was going to be on my terms.

“I could definitely put everybody under pressure around the medals and it was just a relief to perform and just make sure that I was able to show everybody what I could do.

READ MORE: Commonwealth Games delight for Micky Yule at third attempt

“It is probably the pinnacle of my sporting career.

“I know I won bronze in Tokyo but that was in front of about 20 people.

“It was during the shutdown, it was 4.30am and there was not even television coverage.

“All my family and friends were watching just an update on a spreadsheet.”

And he added: “It just meant everything being the flagbearer, getting that accolade and honour from everybody in Team Scotland, going in first. . . so it was time to medal. There were not going to be any excuses.”

Friends and family were in Birmingham to see Yule in action.

A lift of 192 kilogrammes was enough to put the Wallyford man on the podium at the Commonwealth’s for the first time.

Fittingly, the success came in a city that is no stranger to Yule.

The 43-year-old lost both of his legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device while serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan.

He was brought back to Birmingham, where he began a gruelling journey towards recovery and, ultimately, sporting success.

East Lothian Courier: Micky Yule and Kirsty Gilmour were the flagbearers for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Team ScotlandMicky Yule and Kirsty Gilmour were the flagbearers for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Team Scotland

Yule, who now works as an investment banker, estimated he “probably had 50 operations” in the city.

He said: “If that’s where I flew in half dead, then it will possibly be the place that is the highlight of my career.

“It closes the chapter on that very long book I seem to be trying to write!”

Yule’s sporting future may not be clear but he is already looking forward to spending more time with his family, including children Tilly, who turned seven on Monday, and 15-year-old Charlie.

He said: “I have told my coaches that I am going to have a big old rest and don’t want anybody talking about Paris or the next Commonwealth Games.

“You end up putting your family through the mill.

“You feel you are not giving your kids enough of your time.”