Ten Commonwealth stars you may have heard of – pictures

Usain Bolt: Top of the bill at Glasgow 2014 is the Jamaican sprint legend. He may only be taking part in the men's 4x100m relay but his ten second cameo will be one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the games. Compatriot and fellow Olympic gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will also run in the women's event.

Bradley Wiggins: The English cyclist will return to track cycling in Glasgow after being controversially left out of the Team Sky squad currently competing in the Tour de France. The 2012 Tour winner and Olympic gold medallist has shelved plans to compete in multiple events and will instead focus on the team pursuit.

Alistair Brownlee: The English Olympic triathlon champion will be in action on the first day of the Games along with his brother, Jonny, who claimed the bronze at the London Games in 2012. Brownlee has been dogged by injury since 2012 and says he had not managed a six week training block until earlier this year. He will have to be at his best to hold off his younger brother.

Valerie Adams: The New Zealand shot putter dominates her sport and the four-time World champion and two-time Olympic champion will add a 17th major gold medal to her collection if she takes a third successive Commonwealth title in Glasgow.

Stuart Hogg: The Scot will be making his international sevens debut in Glasgow, but rugby fans should know all about the 22-year-old, who plays full-back for Glasgow Warriors. He already has 24 caps for Scotland and was part of the British Lions squad that beat Australia in 2013. New Zealander Pita Ahki is another young star tipped to make an impact in the 15-man sport to watch out for in Glasgow.

David Rudisha: Kenya's Olympic 800 metres champion and world record-holder has made the Commonwealth Games his priority this season, turning down a more lucrative schedule to be ready for Glasgow. He said competing in the Games would be an "honour" and he has set his sights on gold after losing his world title last year through injury.

Chad Le Clos: His father, Bert, stole the show at the London Olympics thanks to an emotional TV interview after Chad beat Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly final. This time Le Clos Jr will be hoping for a bit of limelight himself in Glasgow, and the South African is being tipped to win as many as four gold medals.

Sally Pearson: The Australian Olympic gold medallist will be hoping to defend her Commonwealth 100m hurdles crown in Glasgow. She could also run in the 100m flat event. In Delhi four years ago she won the final of the flat race but was controversially disqualified after the race for a false start.

Nicol David: The Malaysian world number one is clear favourite to win gold in the women's squash event. She is the reigning World and Commonwealth champion and has seven World Open titles to her name, although England's Laura Massaro won this year's event and could pose a very real threat.