The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is set to be a spectacle, but the absence of key figures like Summer McIntosh and Kaylee McKeown has left a void in the women's swimming events. The spotlight now shines on Mollie O'Callaghan, who, despite a back injury, remains a formidable force in the 100 free and 200 free, and a real title threat in the 50 back. Her performances at the Australian Trials were nothing short of impressive, clocking in at 52.33 in the 100 free and 1:52.86 in the 200 free, leaving her as the prohibitive favorite in these events.
However, 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 absence from the 200 back and 100 back in 2018, where she won silver and gold respectively, adds an element of uncertainty. 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 back is 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 breast and 200 breast, is set to claim Scotland's first gold since the Games were last in Glasgow. Evans, who set a new British record in both events at the Aquatics GB Championships in April, is the biggest name on the women's side for the hosts. The Scottish women have the opportunity to double their 2014 medal count from the previous edition in Glasgow.
The Welsh relays will be an important part of the Games, with Theodora Taylor set to be an integral part of the team. Taylor, who competed in the first two days at the European Junior Championships, is on form and ready to take the mantle from Medi Harris, who stepped away in 2023. Taylor's performances in Munich, where she won the 50 free, split 53.42 on the women's 4x100 freestyle relay, and set a new 200 free best with a 1:58.29 leadoff on the 4x200 free relay, make her a finals threat in the 50 free and 100 free.
Australia's all-conquering 4x100 free relay may be in its final chapter, with Shayna Jack's retirement looming after the Games. The team, which included Jack, Meg Harris, Mollie O'Callaghan, and Milla Jansen, was the closest to perfection at the 2023 World Championships, with Jack throwing down a 51.69 on the second leg. However, without Jack, Jansen and Wunsch will have to step up to maintain Australia's dominance.
The turnover at the top is significant, with only five events having the defending champion in the field. This leaves a lot of uncertainty around the medalists, with several swimmers stepping up to become favorites. The jeopardy adds excitement to the races, and several first-time medalists are expected over the next few days. The 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with new stars emerging and old ones fading away.
