Four years after falling just short of gold in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Shanice Beckford-Norton is once again plotting her path to glory in the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball. The Team England star lost 14-13 to Canada in the final in Birmingham, despite having beaten them earlier in the group stage and pre-tournament matches. However, the home tournament was a resounding success, featuring a memorable semi-final victory over Australia.
Excitement for Glasgow 2026
Looking ahead to the Glasgow 2026 Games, Beckford-Norton is brimming with excitement. Although the event is not on home soil, its proximity to England offers a unique advantage. "It's not a home Games, but it's local enough to still have that feel," she said. "Financially, there's not a whole lot that needs to go into flights, so there's more assurance that we can get some good support." The 29-year-old is eager to share the thrill of the competition with everyone involved. "I want everyone to be able to feel the same excitement I did, whether they're players, volunteers, or staff. There is the opportunity to really make history here."
A Journey from Volleyball to Basketball
Beckford-Norton's athletic journey began with volleyball, but basketball captured her heart as a teenager, prompting a move to the United States. Her first major multi-sport event was the 2013 Youth Olympics, but she admits she was too young to fully appreciate it. The Birmingham 2022 experience was transformative. "The people I got to play with and the build-up for the entire summer was amazing. I got to know the guys on the men's and women's side and it really helped that both of us medalled. We became a unit." She particularly recalls the semi-final against Australia. "That felt like a final, with their calibre of players, competitiveness, and history of 3x3. Canada have the infrastructure for it too, and it shows because they were on the podium with us. This time, gold is the standard."
The Rise of 3x3 Basketball
England, Canada, and Australia dominated the basketball events in Birmingham, winning all 12 medals. The 2022 Games marked the first time 3x3 basketball replaced the traditional 5-on-5 format. Having debuted at the Olympics in 2020, Beckford-Norton hopes the sport continues to grow. "It's a special game and it has a special place in my heart," she said. The sport was recently featured in the King's Baton Relay, supported by Team England's official automotive partner, Geely, with a pop-up event in London's Paternoster Square as part of celebrations from May 26-31.
Why 3x3 Suits Her Style
Beckford-Norton thrives on the intensity of 3x3 basketball. "For me, 3x3 doesn't give me a chance to get in my own head, because you have to play the game. It's way too fast for you to get down about possession or a foul. The way the rules are structured gives you room to be aggressive, physical and dominant. That fits my playing style." She also appreciates the versatility of the format. "You see different people playing 3x3. A lot of older players play it, because it's more versatile. People can be flashy and do fun things and it's very entertaining. It would be cool to try to showcase some tricks this summer."
Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on teamengland.org.
