Team Scotland has today confirmed a further 23 swimmers to join the pre-selected Duncan Scott and Angharad Evans at Tollcross International Swimming Centre this summer, alongside seven Para-swimmers previously announced.
The news comes just shy of two months to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the squad blending experience with exciting young talent.
Amongst those returning to the Commonwealth stage is Lucy Hope, who will compete at her fourth Games this summer after making her debut at Glasgow 2014 at just 17 years old.
Since 2014, Hope has established herself as a freestyle specialist, becoming a multiple European medallist and competing at two Olympic Games.
For Hope, returning to the same pool where it all began carries extra meaning.
“My first Commonwealth Games was 12 years ago in the same pool that I’ll be in this summer, so it definitely feels full circle,” she said.
“Back then, when I was just 17, it was quite surreal and so special to be a home Games.
“Now coming into these Games, I’m the oldest on the team, and if I can impart some wisdom to my younger teammates, it will be successful.”
Fellow Paris 2024 Olympians Keanna MacInnes and Katie Shanahan are also named in today’s announcement. Shanahan returns after a breakthrough Birmingham 2022 campaign, which saw her win bronze medals in the 200m Backstroke and 400m Individual Medley.
Since then, she has made her Olympic debut and added to her ever-growing international medal collection.
Reflecting on her Birmingham experience and what she is anticipating this time around, she told us:
“Birmingham was so much fun. To come away with two medals was so unexpected.
“I feel like I know the Tollcross pool like the back of my hand, so it’s going to be really exciting to come here and race in front of a home crowd.
“There’s just so much pride in racing for Scotland.”
Shanahan, MacInnes and Hope are three of eight athletes announced today with previous Commonwealth Games experience. Also named is Evan Jones, who took home two bronze medals at the 2022 Games in the 4x100m Medley and 4x200m Freestyle Relay events.
Scott Gibson placed 6th in the 50m Backstroke final in his debut Games four years ago and now looks to build on that experience four years later in front of a true home crowd, something he could never have imagined as a youngster.
“My first true memory of the Commonwealth Games was watching Dan Wallace win gold right here in Tollcross in 2014,” he said.
“Back then, I never thought I’d be here, competing in that pool at a Commonwealth Games.
“If I get the opportunity to sing Flower of Scotland on top of the podium, I think I’ll be a bubbling wreck, to be honest.
“There’s just no competition like it.”
Five swimmers from Team Scotland’s most recent Commonwealth Youth Games team are making the step up to seniors this summer, including Youth Games flagbearer and silver medallist Stefan Krawiec, Scotland’s most successful Youth Games athlete ever Matthew Ward, who brought home four gold and three silver medals from Trinbago 2023 and gold medallist Dean Fearn, who was crowned World Junior Champion in the 50m Butterfly last summer.
“Getting a taste for the Games in Trinidad and Tobago was really amazing, seeing all the different nations and cultures come together,” Fearn told us.
“I guess I’m just really looking to transfer that learning and growth from my junior career into my senior, and that will start here in Glasgow.
“People might think that because I’m at the younger end of the team, there’s less pressure on me, but I hold myself to a high standard and really thrive off pressure.”
Another athlete preparing for a memorable home Games is butterfly specialist Ciara Schlosshan, who will represent Team Scotland after previously competing for Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017.
Having studied in Scotland for the past five years, Schlosshan says the decision to make the switch was an easy one.
“Team Scotland and Scottish Swimming have been so supportive of me throughout my swimming career and have helped me represent the nation I now call home,” she said.
“It really was a no-brainer to represent Team Scotland this summer.”
The Games could also produce a unique family rivalry, with sister Leah also competing in the pool but for Team England.
“It’s going to be a family event for sure, and to be able to do that here in Scotland is super special.
“I suppose I will want to beat her if we end up going head-to-head. I want Team Scotland to get the win.”
Selected athletes:
Duncan Scott (pre-selected)
Angharad Evans (pre-selected)
Megan Barnes
Evie Davis
Dean Fearn
Scott Gibson
Archie Goodburn
Lucy Grieve
Luke Hornsey
Lucy Hope
Charlie Hutchison
Evan Jones
Stefan Krawiec
Evi Mackie
Keanna MacInnes
Sean McCann
Holly McGill
Joshua Mitchell
Anna Morgan
Jensen Norris
Ciara Schlosshan
Katie Shanahan
George Smith
Matthew Ward
Emma Wood
Swimming and Para Swimming at Glasgow 2026 will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre from 24-29 July. Register NOW for the final ticket drop, coming 2 June.
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