From the Marketing Office to the Hammer Circle: Tara's Games Journey in the EX5
At Lloyd Motor Group, we're used to celebrating our team's achievements — but this summer, one of our own took centre stage in a very different arena. Tara, one of our Lloyd Marketing Executives, swapped the office for the hammer circle, officially representing Team England at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. And fittingly, given Geely Auto UK's role as official partner for Team England, she made the journey north in style — behind the wheel of a Geely EX
With just days to prepare, practicalities mattered — and that's where the Geely EX5 stepped in. As the official Team England partner vehicle, it gave Tara a comfortable, dependable, all-electric way to make the journey from Newcastle to Glasgow without a second thought.
We caught up with her, as she reflects back on this outstanding achievement...
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Photo credit: @patscaasi for England Athletics
Representing Team England
Competing on home soil for the home nations brought an atmosphere Tara won't forget. "It was such an honour representing Team England," she says. "Whilst the Games were in Scotland, the crowd cheered for the home nations all the same and the atmosphere was insane." After a tough season, pulling on the England kit reignited her love for the sport — and the friendships forged along the way made the experience even more special.
One memory in particular will stay with her forever: stepping into the circle through a downpour on finals night. "The rain was coming down in sheets, the track was flooded, I was soaked, and my umbrella seemed obsolete and yet I had so much fun!" Wet conditions are no small thing for a hammer thrower, where grip and footing in the circle are everything but Tara took it in her stride.
"Knowing people were watching and supporting is such a lovely feeling," Tara says of her Lloyd colleagues cheering her on. "Everyone has been super supportive and just as excited about my competing as I was."
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The Road Trip: Putting the EX5 to the Test
Between training and competing, Tara also got to know her travel companion for the trip rather well and the EX5 didn't disappoint. Covering over 200 miles, she only needed to stop and charge once, with a full charge taking just an hour. For an athlete travelling with kit and luggage, that kind of effortless range and quick turnaround made all the difference.
Space was another standout. "The amount of room in the EX5 allowed for a relaxing journey to and from the Commonwealth Games without worrying about room for all my suitcases," Tara explains. In fact, the EX5 proved roomy enough to comfortably seat five large athletes with space to spare a genuine test of practicality that few family hatchbacks could pass. Asked what stood out most, Tara points to the technology and comfort in equal measure: the large infotainment screen made navigating the route into Glasgow simple, while the steering wheel offered comfort mile after mile. Asked to sum up the EX5 in three words, her answer was simple: "Stylish, luxurious, comfort."
For Tara, the EX5 wasn't just transport it was a genuine asset for a demanding week of travel and competition. "Considering this car fit five very large athletes in it with room to spare, the EX5 is a great pick for a long trip and staying comfortable throughout," she says.
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Tara's Advice to Young Athletes
And for any young athlete watching her journey and dreaming of competing at that level, Tara's message is one of perseverance: "It is never a linear process to competing at a high level, there will be obstacles to overcome, but those that are able to persevere in the face of adversity will be the ones that accomplish the things they dream of."
From a last-minute call-up to a podium-worthy performance in Glasgow, Tara's Commonwealth Games story is one of resilience, pride, and a Geely EX5 that went the distance alongside her.
On behalf of the whole Lloyd Motor Group team, we want to say a huge congratulations to Tara on this incredible achievement. We're so proud to have her as part of our team, and we can't wait to see her hammer career go from strength to strength!
Interested in experiencing the same comfort, range and style that got Tara to Glasgow and back? Book a test drive of the Geely EX5 at Lloyd Geely Newcastle today via clicking the buttons below.
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