By Bilal Khan 
Coetze aims for backstroke dominance
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to begin with pool swimming events scheduled from July 24 to July 29, 2026, at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. South Africa‘s Pieter Coetze is expected to be a prominent figure in the men’s backstroke events, aiming to dominate as one of the world’s top backstrokers. He is the sole returning medalist from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in these events.
In the men’s 50 backstroke, Coetze, who secured silver in 2022 with a time of 24.77, has already shown faster form this season, clocking 24.54 at the South African National Championships in April. His personal best of 24.17 earned him a silver medal at last summer’s World Championships, positioning him as a favorite for gold in Glasgow. Other contenders for podium finishes include England‘s Oliver Morgan, ranked fourth globally this year with a time of 24.36, and Jack Skerry, seeded at 24.66.
Australia will also feature strong competitors like Isaac Cooper, who swam 24.46 at the Australian Swimming Trials, and Henry Allan, whose 24.51 from the Australian Age Championships ranks him 13th in the world this season. South Africa‘s Ruard van Renen has also recorded a time under 25 seconds this season, at 24.92.
Coetze is also a leading figure in the men’s 100 backstroke. He won gold at the 2025 World Championships with a time of 51.85, making him the third-fastest swimmer in history for this event. This season, he is ranked second globally with 52.40. Morgan is close behind with 52.41 from the GB Swimming Championships. Allan, with a lifetime best of 53.45, is also a medal prospect, along with Scotland‘s Matthew Ward, who has a season and lifetime best of 53.29.
Key matchups and rising stars
The men’s 200 backstroke also sees Coetze as a strong favorite. He holds the third-fastest time in the world this season at 1:55.26. His lifetime best of 1:53.36, achieved at the World Championships in July, positions him as the seventh-fastest performer ever in the event. He is the only swimmer in the field to have gone under 1:54.
England‘s Luke Greenbank, who finished fifth in 2022, is another strong competitor with a lifetime best of 1:54.43. His teammate Morgan also presents a challenge with a season-best of 1:55.86. Australian swimmer Se-Bom Lee, with a lifetime best of 1:56.75, has a strong chance of reaching the final, as does Allan, who recorded 1:57.00 at the Australian Age Championships.
Beyond the backstroke events, other compelling storylines are emerging for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Sam Short aims to sweep the men’s distance events, a feat last achieved by Ryan Cochrane in 2014. Short, who won gold in the 1500 free and silver in the 400 free at the previous Games, now has an additional opportunity with the inclusion of the 800 free on the men’s schedule. He is currently the fastest this season in all three events.
The competition between Coetze and Morgan is anticipated to be a highlight. While Coetze leads in the 200 backstroke, Morgan holds a slight edge in the 50 backstroke this season. Both swimmers are considered top contenders in all three backstroke events, promising an intense battle throughout the week.
Wales is looking to secure only its second relay medal ever, with the men’s team yet to win one. With Canada sending a reduced squad, opportunities may open up for other nations. While Australia and England are expected to dominate, the bronze medal position could be contested by teams like Scotland and Wales. The Welsh team, featuring swimmers like Matt Richards, Harry Milne, Lewis Fraser, Dan Jones, and Kyle Booth, finished fourth in the 4×100 free in 2022.
The form of Dan Wiffen will also be closely watched. After a successful 2024 season that included a World Championship title in the 1500 free and an Olympic title in the 800 free, Wiffen has faced some challenges. His long course swims this season have been below his usual standards, raising questions about his current form heading into the Games.
Additionally, Cam McEvoy is expected to deliver a strong performance in the 50 free. He recently broke a world record with a time of 20.88 at the China Open. The Commonwealth Games are his primary focus this summer, and he is skipping other major competitions to ensure he is fully prepared. His performance on July 26th will be a key moment.
The Games may also mark the final Commonwealth Games for veteran swimmers like James Guy, Duncan Scott, and Adam Peaty, who have been central figures in British swimming for over a decade. Peaty, who is 31 years old, has expressed intentions to continue until the LA Games, but his career beyond that is uncertain. Guy will turn 31 in November, and Scott turned 29 last May. All three have had distinguished careers and are still considered favorites in their respective events at their fourth Commonwealth Games.
Guy will be seeking his first individual title, having previously won two silvers and three bronzes. Scott is the defending champion in the 200 free and 200 IM. Peaty, despite his international dominance from 2015-2021, has not yet swept the sprint breaststroke events at the Commonwealth Games.
Read Also
Source: swimswam.com
