Olympian Jemma Reekie returns to City to support emerging creative talent

Olympian and City of Glasgow College alumna Jemma Reekie returned to the College to meet fellow alumna, emerging illustrator Iona Bourne, whose work caught her eye while she was competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Jemma contacted the College during the Games after seeing a Commonwealth-inspired print created by Iona and asked if she could purchase a copy.

The pair met at City Campus today, with Iona personally handing over a signed copy of the artwork to Jemma – bringing together two talented members of the City community whose very different skills connected through Glasgow 2026.

Her artwork was created as part of the College’s wider involvement in Glasgow 2026, which provided students across a range of disciplines with opportunities to contribute to the Games and gain experience connected to a major international sporting event.

Students produced creative work inspired by the Games, while others worked directly within the Glasgow 2026 environment. Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Make-up Artistry students provided services for athletes at Games hotels, while creative students took part in projects celebrating Glasgow 2026 and its legacy. College alumna Militsa Milenkova also designed the medals presented to athletes during the Games.

For Iona, that involvement provided a high-profile platform for her work – ultimately leading to it being spotted by Jemma while she was competing for Scotland.

Jemma studied Sports Coaching at City of Glasgow College before going on to compete at the highest level of international athletics, representing Great Britain at two Olympic Games and winning a World Indoor Championships silver medal in Glasgow.

This summer she returned to the city to represent Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Her visit to the College also comes after an outstanding few weeks on the track and road. Earlier this month, Jemma set a new European road mile record of 4:23.25 in Düsseldorf, before travelling to New York where she won the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile for a third time, setting a new event record of 4:13.8.

Jemma Reekie said:

“Iona’s work really caught my eye during the Commonwealth Games and I loved the way she had captured the energy and spirit of such a special event for Glasgow.

“When I found out she had created it while studying at City of Glasgow College, it made it even more meaningful. I have very happy memories of my time at the College, so it’s lovely to come back and support the creative talent coming through City.”

Iona Bourne said:

“It was such an amazing surprise to hear that Jemma had seen my work during the Commonwealth Games and wanted to buy a print.

“As an emerging creative, having your work noticed and appreciated like that gives you a huge amount of confidence. It’s been really special to come back to College and meet Jemma in person, and to know that my work connected with someone who also has such a strong link to City.”

The visit provided a fitting connection between the College’s sporting and creative talent – from an alumna competing on the international athletics stage to a recent student beginning to build her career in illustration. You can explore more of Iona’s work and her latest projects on her instagram and online shop.