The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is set to be a spectacle of aquatic prowess, but the absence of key figures like Summer McIntosh and Kaylee McKeown leaves a void in the women's lineup. Among the remaining stars, Mollie O'Callaghan stands out as the undisputed favorite, despite her own injury concerns. Her performances at the Australian Trials were impressive, clocking times that only herself and Ariarne Titmus have ever achieved. However, her injury raises doubts about her full fitness, and threats like Freya Colbert and Lani Pallister in the 200 free, and Meg Harris and Shayna Jack in the 100 free, could challenge her dominance.
The women's backstroke is wide open, with no clear favorite in any event. Kylie Masse, the most decorated backstroker, will be swimming, but her results from the Gold Coast in 2018 suggest a reversal of fortunes. The 50 back looks like a real battle, with O'Callaghan, Iona Anderson, Masse, and Lauren Cox separated by just two tenths of a second. The 100 looks to be between Anderson and Masse, with no one else under 59 seconds this year.
Scotland's women are poised to make their mark at a home Games. Angharad Evans, the favorite in both the 100 and 200 breast, is set to claim Scotland's first gold since the Games were last in Glasgow. Evans, who broke British records in both events at the Aquatics GB Championships in April, is the biggest name on the women's side for the hosts. Evie Davis will be hoping to make the 100 free final after a big PB in April, while Holly McGill could sneak onto the podium in the 200 back.
The Welsh relays, led by Theodora Taylor, will be an important part of the team's success. Taylor, who competed in the first two days at the European Junior Championships, is set to be an important part of the Welsh relays, as well as a finals threat in the 50 and 100 free. Matt Richards is the star for the Welsh men, but the women have been a little weaker since Medi Harris stepped away in 2023. Taylor looks ready to take that mantle this summer, and has already proven she can handle pressure at the junior level.
Australia's all-conquering 4x100 free relay may be in its final chapter with the retirement of Shayna Jack. The team, which included Jack, Meg Harris, and Mollie O'Callaghan, dominated the world stage, but the retirement of Jack leaves a hole. The 4x100 free relay at the 2023 World Championships was possibly the closest to perfection a relay will get in the near future. However, without the same caliber of sprinter coming through the junior ranks, the team will have a fight on its hands to remain at the very top.
In conclusion, the 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. The absence of key figures leaves a void, but the remaining athletes are poised to deliver exciting races and unexpected results. The Games will be a showcase of aquatic prowess, with a focus on the women's events and the potential for new stars to emerge.
