{"id":821612,"date":"2026-07-24T20:51:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T20:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/821612\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T20:51:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T20:51:10","slug":"2026-commonwealth-games-day-1-prelims-live-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/821612\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Commonwealth Games: Day 1 Prelims Live Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t\t\t\t2026 Commonwealth Games<\/p>\n<p>Welcome, SwimFans, to the first day of swimming at the 2026 Commonwealth Games!!!! It\u2019s been a long journey to this point as these Games were originally set to be held, down under, in Australia, but citing rising costs, the state of Victoria pulled out of its hosting duties. Thankfully, Scotland\u2019s most populous city was able to step in and take over hosting duties. This edition of the Games, the 23rd, is different from past editions as, in addition to being pared down to combat rising costs, they are the first to be held during the reign of King Charles III, as his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had been monarch of the Commonwealth realm since 1952. Swimming, one of the 10 sports being contested, has not been scaled down and is set to start with some fireworks as some of the most anticipated events kick things off.<\/p>\n<p>If anyone was curious, I lived south of Glasgow in the East Ayrshire village of Stair when I was six, attending Coylton Primary School for P2 and P3. I currently reside outside of Boston, which recently hosted the Tartan Army for several days, as the Scottish National football team competed. I can assure you, however, any bias towards Scotland and its athletes should be viewed entirely as incidental. Now with that out of the way, let\u2019s Boogie.<\/p>\n<p>The women\u2019s 400 free and men\u2019s 200 IM start the action off with a bang as some of the biggest names in the swimming world look to start their meet off on the right foot. The 400 free looks to be a grudge match between the antipodean nations of Australia and New Zealand. Top seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lani Pallister Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lani-pallister\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lani Pallister<\/a> of Australia is the top seed with an entry time of 3:58.87 and will have her training partner and compatriot <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a> with her in the last heat as they square off against New Zealand\u2019s <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Eve Thomas\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/eve-thomas\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eve Thomas<\/a>. One heat prior, 2024 World Champion <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Erika Fairweather\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/erika-fairweather\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Erika Fairweather<\/a> of New Zealand will hope that she and her fellow Kiwi <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Caitlin Deans\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/caitlin-deans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caitlin Deans<\/a> can fend off the Aussie <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Amelia Weber\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/amelia-weber\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amelia Weber<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With just three heats, the men\u2019s 200 IM jumps into the action quickly with the 3rd seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lewis Clareburt Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lewis-clareburt\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lewis Clareburt<\/a> looking to add to the hopefully strong start his fellow Kiwis established in the heat prior. The young and talented Canadian <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Lorne Wigginton\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/lorne-wigginton\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lorne Wigginton<\/a> will flank Clareburt on one side, with England\u2019s <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Tom Dean Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/tom-dean\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tom Dean<\/a> on the other. Dean, one of England\u2019s most decorated Commonwealth medalists, having won seven medals four years ago, is coming off a shoulder injury, so all eyes will be looking to see what form he is in. However, his heat and the second heat will certainly lack the enthusiasm of the final heat, as all three of Scotland\u2019s entries occupy the middle lanes. Surrounded by <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Evan Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/evan-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Jones<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Matthew Ward\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/matthew-ward\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Ward<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a>, an eight-time Olympic medalist and 13-time Commonwealth medalist, will look to kick off his title defense in front of his home nation.\u00a0Scott is far from the only Scot in action today; <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Katie Shanahan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/katie-shanahan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Katie Shanahan<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Holly McGill\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/holly-mcgill\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Holly McGill<\/a> are well placed in the 200 back. They\u2019ll have to contend with the Australian trio of <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Hannah Fredericks\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/hannah-fredericks\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hannah Fredericks<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a> and top-seeded <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Iona Anderson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/iona-anderson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iona Anderson<\/a> if they wish to earn a podium spot tonight.<\/p>\n<p>Events 200 meters and longer move directly to finals, but those shorter than 200 meters will see 16 swimmers advance from the morning\u2019s prelims into the semifinals. While the depth of the field may not require swimmers to go full speed to make the top 16, it\u2019ll give us, as viewers, a good gauge of their form. The men\u2019s 50 back is one such race, as we get our first good look at <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Pieter Coetze\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/pieter-coetze\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pieter Coetze<\/a> after he lit up the competition at Worlds last summer. In Singapore, the South African took gold in the 100 back, and claimed runner-up honors in both the 50 and 200. This morning, he\u2019ll look to better the times put up by his main rivals <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Isaac Cooper\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/isaac-cooper\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaac Cooper<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Morgan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-morgan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Morgan<\/a> from the preceding heats.<\/p>\n<p>The 100 breaststroke, too, will be an interesting watch as world record holder <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Adam Ramsay-Peaty\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/adam-ramsay-peaty\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Adam Ramsay-Peaty<\/a> takes to the water. The recently married star has been embroiled in controversy lately and will be looking for a strong performance to refocus his attention on swimming. Ramsay-Peaty has an interesting relationship with the Games, winning the 50 breaststroke in Birmingham to complete his collection of medals in the event. However, he also missed the podium in this event, stating after that he wasn\u2019t bothered by it. The Englishman is the top seed, but his margin over rivals <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Sam Williamson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/sam-williamson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Williamson<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Filip Nowacki\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/filip-nowacki\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Filip Nowacki<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Dawson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-dawson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Dawson<\/a> is not large, so expect there to be some fast swimming this morning.<\/p>\n<p>Scattered throughout the morning are the para events. The S13 100 freestyle kicks things off for the para athletes with <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Jones<\/a> of Australia the top seed in the women\u2019s event. There are only eight entrants, but less than a second separates the top six, and just .12 separates first from fourth, so expect the finish this morning to be close. The men\u2019s race, too, has just one heat, but the 2nd seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Stephen Clegg\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/stephen-clegg\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Clegg<\/a> will certainly have most of the support of the crowd as the Scot and six-time Paralympic medalist chases down the top-seeded South African Nathan Hendrick.<\/p>\n<p>The session concludes with the prelims of the women\u2019s and men\u2019s 4\u00d7100 free relays. There are only 10 women\u2019s entries and 15 men\u2019s entries, so top seeds Australia won\u2019t have to use all their strengths this morning, but look for the teams seeded 7th-10th to be fighting for a spot in the final tonight.<\/p>\n<p>Women\u2019s 400 Free \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Erika Fairweather\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/erika-fairweather\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Erika Fairweather<\/a> (New Zealand) \u2013 4:06.42<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lani Pallister Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lani-pallister\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lani Pallister<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 4:06.88<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 4:07.34<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Amelia Weber\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/amelia-weber\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amelia Weber<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 4:08.12<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Caitlin Deans\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/caitlin-deans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caitlin Deans<\/a> (New Zealand) \u2013 4:10.16<br \/>\nElla Jansen (Canada) \u2013 4:10.55<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Eve Thomas\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/eve-thomas\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eve Thomas<\/a> (New Zealand) \u2013 4:11.05<br \/>\nGan Ching Hwee (Singapore) \u2013 4:11.10<\/p>\n<p>Through the first two heats, the time of 4:16.74 to beat belonged to Evi Mackie, who ignited the crowd as the Scot surged past Johanna Evans in the closing length of the 400 to overtake the Bahamian record holder. Her time didn\u2019t last too long atop the leaderboard as six swimmers in the 3rd heat, the first of the circle seeded heats, surpassed that mark.<\/p>\n<p>Leading the charge in heat 3 was the 2024 World Champion <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Erika Fairweather\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/erika-fairweather\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Erika Fairweather<\/a>. One of the few swimmers to ever have broken the 4:00 barrier in the event, the New Zealander had firm control of the field, leading the race from start to finish. She opened in 2:01.22, leading <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Amelia Weber\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/amelia-weber\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amelia Weber<\/a> by just .26 and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Caitlin Deans\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/caitlin-deans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caitlin Deans<\/a>\u2018 2:02.65, but Fairweather\u2019s consistency was enough to keep them at bay as Weber and Deans started to fade away. The Kiwi cruised come in a 30.73 to touch the wall in 4:06.42, with Weber back at 4:08.12 and Deans two seconds behind her at 4:10.16.<\/p>\n<p>The last heat saw the top seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lani Pallister Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lani-pallister\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lani Pallister<\/a> swim a near identical time to her biggest rival, Fairweather, as she won the heat in a time of 4:06.88. Pallister opened in 2:01.31, but then seemed to have some fun as she pounded the 3rd 100 splitting 30.08 and 30.41 before completely shutting things down going 33.06 and 32.02 on the last 100. Her slowdown nearly had her rundown by her training partner and compatriot <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a>. Out in 2:02.90, Forrester used a 31.44\/30.72 last 100 to bring what was a four second gap at the 300 to just under one as she touched 2nd in 4:07.34. In a very close race for 3rd, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Eve Thomas\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/eve-thomas\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eve Thomas<\/a> out touched Singapore Gan Ching Hwee 4:11.05 to 4:11.10.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S 200 IM \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>World Record: 1:52.69 \u2013 Leon Marchand (FRA), 2025<br \/>\nCommonwealth Record: 1:55.28 \u2013 <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a> (GBR), 2021<br \/>\nCommonwealth Games Record: 1:56.88 \u2013 <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a> (SCO), 2022<br \/>\n2022 Champion: <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a> (SCO) \u2013 1:56.88<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p>William Petric (Australia) \u2013 1:58.70<br \/>\nThomas Dean (England) \u2013 1:58.75<br \/>\nMax Litchfield (England) \u2013 1:58.75<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lewis Clareburt Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lewis-clareburt\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lewis Clareburt<\/a> (New Zealand) \u2013 1:58.79<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a> (Scotland) \u2013 1:58.81<br \/>\nBrendon Smith (Australia) \u2013 1:59.02<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Evan Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/evan-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Jones<\/a> (Scotland) \u2013 1:59.04<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Lorne Wigginton\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/lorne-wigginton\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lorne Wigginton<\/a> (Canada) \u2013 1:59.09<\/p>\n<p>Scotland\u2019s three entrants did their best to get the crowd behind them in the last heat of the men\u2019s 200 IM, but the speed of the early heats made it difficult for all three to advance. The first heat saw <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Tom Dean Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/tom-dean\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tom Dean<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Lewis Clareburt Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/lewis-clareburt\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lewis Clareburt<\/a> get to the first wall in a dead tie of 25.45, with Clareburt taking the lead after the backstroke 55.85 to 56.22. Dean, representing England, made up that gap in the breaststroke using a strong 33.83 split to pull himself into the lead and held off the Kiwi, 1:58.75 to 1:58.79. Joining the pair with a sub two-minute performance was <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Lorne Wigginton\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/lorne-wigginton\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lorne Wigginton<\/a> of Canada, who just .34\u00a0 back of Dean at 1:59.09.<\/p>\n<p>The 2nd heat was a faster affair with the 2nd seed William Petric opening in 25.42. The Australian Olympian built upon his early lead and hit the back to breaststroke turn at 55.47. He had a full half a second lead over Max Litchfield after the breaststroke, but the English swimmer powered home in 28.42 to come within .05 of Petric, falling just short of winning the heat, 1:58.75 to 1:58.70. Petric\u2019s fellow Aussie, Brendon Smith, is more known for his 400 IM prowess, like Litchfield, but he used a blistering 28.07 to close the gap to Petric and Litchfield to touch just this side of 1:59, at 1:59.02.<\/p>\n<p>With six swimmers under 1:59.09, the Scottish trio of <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Duncan Scott Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/duncan-scott\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Duncan Scott<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Evan Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/evan-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Jones<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Matthew Ward\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/matthew-ward\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Ward<\/a> knew their target time. Surprisingly, Scott, the defending champion and Commonwealth record holder was not out fastest, hitting the 50 wall at 25.26, trailing the speedy Jones (25.01) and the South African Kris Mihaylov (25.08). However, Scott, used his experience to power past the pair and moved into the lead at the 100 (54.57) and never looked back cruising home in 35.33 and 28.91 to take the win in 1:58.81. Jones, who was leading at the 50, remained in 2nd throughout the race and took 2nd in 1:59.04. The last Scotsman in the heat, Ward, was 5th after the fly (25.86), but moved up to 3rd after th back and came home just behind Scott and Jones, although his time of 1:59.59 slots him into 9th place on the outside of the final.<\/p>\n<p>WOMEN\u2019S S13 100 Free \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Jones<\/a> S12 (Australia) \u2013 1:04.67<br \/>\nEla Letton-Jones S12 (Wales) \u2013 1:04.73<br \/>\nDanika Vyncke S13 (South Africa) \u2013 1:05.13<br \/>\nKirralee Hayes S13 (Australia) \u2013 1:05.24<br \/>\nUrsula Carroll S13 (England) \u2013 1:05.25<br \/>\nMia Hogan S13 (Australia) \u2013 1:05.29<br \/>\nAstrid Carroll S12 (Scotland) \u2013 1:05.84<br \/>\nAlani Ferreira S12 (South Africa) \u2013 1:06.95<\/p>\n<p>Australia\u2019s <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-jones\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Jones<\/a> set herself up for a strong battle tonight with Wales\u2019s Ela Letton-Jones in the final of S13 100 free. Jones, the top seed opened in 30.29, nearly a full second faster than the Welshwomen, but only had a margin of victory of .06 as Letton-Jones closed like a freight train, using a 33.50 to touch 2nd 1:04.73 to 1:04.67. Don\u2019t sleep on Danika Vyncke, who produced a new African record in the heats, taking the 3rd seed tonight, with a time of 1:05.13.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S S13 100 Free \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Stephen Clegg\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/stephen-clegg\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Clegg<\/a> S12 (Scotland) \u2013 56.57<br \/>\nNathan Hendricks S13 (South Africa) \u2013 56.66<br \/>\nR.V.V.B.K. Budigina S13 (India) \u2013 57.10<br \/>\nJames Clegg S12 (Scotland) \u2013 57.50<br \/>\nMatthew Redfern S13 (England) \u2013 58.07<br \/>\nZhi Wei Wong S13 (Singapore) \u2013 59.93<br \/>\nHunter Helberg S11 (Canada) \u2013 1:05.24<br \/>\nAli Imam S11 (India) \u2013 1:05.32<\/p>\n<p>The Clegg brothers of Scotland secured themselves lanes 4 and 6 tonight as <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Stephen Clegg\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/stephen-clegg\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Clegg<\/a> secured the top seed tonight with a strong swim of 56.57. The s12 athlete did have the fastest first 50 as Nathan Hendricks, 26.36, and Clegg\u2019s brother James, 27.13, were both faster, but Stephen\u2019s 29.07 last 50 reeled them.<\/p>\n<p>WOMEN\u2019S 200 BACKSTROKE \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Hannah Fredericks\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/hannah-fredericks\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hannah Fredericks<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 2:09.81<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Holly McGill\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/holly-mcgill\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Holly McGill<\/a> (Scotland) \u2013 2:09.98<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 2:10.03<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Katie Shanahan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/katie-shanahan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Katie Shanahan<\/a> (Scotland) \u2013 2:10.31<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Iona Anderson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/iona-anderson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iona Anderson<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 2:11.08<br \/>\nLottie Cullen (Northern Ireland) \u2013 2:12.23<br \/>\nGrace Davison (Northern Ireland) \u2013 2:12.24<br \/>\nMadison Kryger (Canada) \u2013 2:12.36<\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t the Australian that might have been expected atop the field, but the nation still maintains its dominance in the backstroke event as <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Hannah Fredericks\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/hannah-fredericks\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hannah Fredericks<\/a>\u2018s 2:09.81 from the first heat turned out to be the fastest swim of the session. Out in 30.44 and 1:03.39 at the 100, the Aussie led Northern Ireland\u2019s Lottie Cullen and Canada\u2019s Madison Kryger by nearly a second and only continued to build that lead. Closing in 33.33 and 33.09, Fredericks touched well ahead of Cullen\u2019s 2:12.23 and Kryger\u2019s 2:12.36.<\/p>\n<p>With a time to target, home nation favorite <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Katie Shanahan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/katie-shanahan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Katie Shanahan<\/a> got the crowd excited as she opened up the race with over half a second advantage at the 50 wall, splitting 31.12. 1:03.78 at the 100, Shanahan, the defending bronze medalist in this event, led <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jenna Forrester\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jenna-forrester\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenna Forrester<\/a> by over a full second at the halfway mark, with the Australian flipping at the 100-meter mark in 1:04.90. Forrester is coming off a very quick turnaround having just swum the heats of the 400 freestyle a few events prior. However, that double seemed to affect her very little as she powered home with a last 50 of 32.12, more than a full second faster than Shanahan and her 33.18. Forrester late speed ended up giving her the heat win, earning a 2:10.03, .28 ahead of the Scot\u2019s 2:10.31. South Africa\u2019s Hannah Pearse, 3rd from start to finish, touched the wall in 2:12.37.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Iona Anderson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/iona-anderson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iona Anderson<\/a> opened up the last heat in a blistering 1st 50, going sub-30 as she flipped in 29.68, a full second clear of Delia Lloyd\u2019s 30.93 and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Holly McGill\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/holly-mcgill\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Holly McGill<\/a>\u2018s 31.63. The Australian, a two time Olympic medalist, carried her speed into the next 50, flipping at the halfway turn in 1:01.99, the lone sub-1:03 split in the hole field. She may have been using her speed to try out some pacing for tonight, but Anderson really shut things down and looked to be dragging over the last 100, closing in 34.09 and 35.00 to finish in a time of 2:11.08. With Anderson flagging, Scotland\u2019s McGill used the crowd\u2019s support to close in 32.67 and 32.54 to surge past the Australian to take the win in 2:09.98.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S 50 BACKSTROKE \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 16:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Pieter Coetze\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/pieter-coetze\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pieter Coetze<\/a> (South Africa) \u2013 24.45 ***NEW GAMES RECORD***<br \/>\nRuard van Renen (South Africa) \u2013 24.78<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Morgan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-morgan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Morgan<\/a> (England) \u2013 24.91<br \/>\nCameron Brooker (England) \u2013 25.07<br \/>\nJack Skerry (England) \u2013 25.08<br \/>\nHenry Allan (Australia) \u2013 25.09<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Isaac Cooper\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/isaac-cooper\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaac Cooper<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 25.11<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Matthew Ward\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/matthew-ward\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Ward<\/a> (Scotland) \u2013 25.16<br \/>\nScott Gibson (Scotland) \u2013 25.18<br \/>\nBenjamin Winterborn (Canada) \u2013 25.37<br \/>\nPatrick Johnston (Northern Ireland) \u2013 25.38<br \/>\nConor Ferguson (Northern Ireland) \u2013 25.48<br \/>\nJack Harvey (Bermuda) \u2013 25.50<br \/>\nSrihari Nataraj (India) \u2013 25.52<br \/>\nJamie Ferguson (Scotland) \u2013 25.52<br \/>\nLamar Taylor (Bahamas) \u2013 25.91<\/p>\n<p>South Africa made its presence well known this morning as the <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Pieter Coetze\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/pieter-coetze\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pieter Coetze<\/a> and Ruard van Renen each secured lane 4 tonight in the two semifinals. Swimming out of the last prelims heat, Coetze, the reigning World and Commonwealth silver medalist, had an amazing start and easily passed his compatriot van Renen and the 4th seed Henry Allan and had established an insurmountable lead. The African record holder was off his best of 24.17, by a bit but his 24.45 was enough to top the field and undercut the Commonwealth Games record of 24.62 set by <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Liam Tancock Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/liam-tancock\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Liam Tancock<\/a> back in 2010. .33 back at 24.78 in the last heat as van Renen, a result that makes him the 2nd fastest performer on the morning.<\/p>\n<p>4th on the psych sheet, Australia\u2019s Henry Allan will have to be on his game tonight as his 25.09 ranks 6th after this morning. Sitting in 3rd right now is England\u2019s <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Morgan\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-morgan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Morgan<\/a> who joined the South Africans under the 25.00 mark with his 24.91. It\u2019s a tight field after the top two as less than .30 separated 3rd and 9th. Allan\u2019s compatriot and the 3rd seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Isaac Cooper\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/isaac-cooper\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaac Cooper<\/a> is currently ranked 8th at 25.11, .05 ahead of <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Matthew Ward\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/matthew-ward\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Ward<\/a>, who is just coming out of the heats of the men\u2019s 200 IM.<\/p>\n<p>WOMEN\u2019S 50 BUTTERFLY \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 16:<\/p>\n<p>Alex Perkins (Australia) \u2013 25.55<br \/>\nErin Gallagher (South Africa) \u2013 25.70<br \/>\nJessica Thompson (South Africa) \u2013 26.24<br \/>\nCaitlin de Lange (South Africa) \u2013 26.34<br \/>\nHazel Ouwehand (New Zealand) \u2013 26.40<br \/>\nCiara Schlosshan (Scotland) \u2013 26.50<br \/>\nZoe Pedersen (New Zealand) \u2013 26.60<br \/>\nEva Okaro (England) \u2013 26.67<br \/>\nLucy Grieve (Scotland) \u2013 26.69<br \/>\nTheodora Taylor (Wales) \u2013 26.88<br \/>\nKylie Masse (Canada) \u2013 27.05<br \/>\nAnahira McCutcheon (Fiji) \u2013 27.09<br \/>\nEmma Harvey (Bermuda) \u2013 27.16<br \/>\nJessica Calderbank (Jamaica) \u2013 27.17<br \/>\nLizzy Dekkers (Australia) \u2013 27.26<br \/>\nElan Daley (Bermuda) \u2013 27.56<\/p>\n<p>South Africa carried over their success in the men\u2019s 50 backstroke into the women\u2019s 50 fly as all three of their athletes produced strong results, finishing among the top four. The 2nd seed Erin Gallagher produced one of two sub-26 swims this morning, as her 25.70 will slot her into lane 4 tonight of the first semifinal. The national record holder, Gallagher has been faster this season, producing a 25.63 at her nationals, but with three rounds of the event, Gallagher didn\u2019t need to be at her best to advance.<\/p>\n<p>Her compatriots Jessica Thompson and Caitlin de Lange took the two spots behind her recording results of 26.24 and 26.34 respectively. The pair, entered the meet as the 6th and 5th seeds but will have a lot of work to do if they wish to improve their ranking further as they\u2019ll be chasing the very fast Alex Perkins. The Australian and top seed handily won the last heat of the event, cruising to the wall in 25.55. Like Gallagher, her time is a little off her entry time of 25.31 and her season best of 25.44, but that doesn\u2019t matter much in prelims. Her time and that of Gallagher\u2019s is noticeably as they are already faster than the winning time from four years ago, when <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Emma McKeon Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/emma-mckeon\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emma McKeon<\/a> took gold in 25.90.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S 100 BREASTSTROKE \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 16:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Adam Ramsay-Peaty\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/adam-ramsay-peaty\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Adam Ramsay-Peaty<\/a> (England) \u2013 59.46<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Sam Williamson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/sam-williamson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Williamson<\/a> (Australia) \u2013 59.56<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Filip Nowacki\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/filip-nowacki\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Filip Nowacki<\/a> (Jersey) \u2013 59.93<br \/>\nMichael Houlie (South Africa) \u2013 1:00.14<br \/>\nZac Stubblety-Cook (Australia) \u2013 1:00.21<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Dawson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-dawson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Dawson<\/a> (Canada) \u2013 1:00.33<br \/>\nGregory Butler (England) \u2013 1:00.61<br \/>\nChris Smith (South Africa) \u2013 1:00.86<br \/>\nBailey Lello (Australia) \u2013 1:00.96<br \/>\nMax Morgan (England) \u2013 1:01.22<br \/>\nGeorge Smith (Scotland) \u2013 1:01.63<br \/>\nAdrian Robinson (Botswana) \u2013 1:01.65<br \/>\nJoshua Mitchell (Scotland) \u2013 1:01.77<br \/>\nJosh Inglis (Wales) \u2013 1:02.23<br \/>\nKito Campbell (Jamaica) \u2013 1:02.31<br \/>\nJacob Story (Cook Islands) \u2013 1:02.43<\/p>\n<p>A roughly 15-minute delay between the penultimate and last heat due to a disconnected lane rope didn\u2019t seem to affect the top seed, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Adam Ramsay-Peaty\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/adam-ramsay-peaty\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Adam Ramsay-Peaty<\/a>, as the World Record produced the morning\u2019s top time. The World Record holder, Ramsay-Peaty opened up the heat in 27.27, ahead of Canada\u2019s <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Oliver Dawson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/oliver-dawson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Dawson<\/a> (28.00). The Englishman slowed on the last 50, coming home in 32.19 but had enough of a lead to hold off the fast-charging Zac Stubblety-Cook, whose 31.38 last 50 was enough to pass Dawson to earn 2nd in the heat with a result of 1:00.21.<\/p>\n<p>Two other swimmers produced sub-60 results as the 2nd and 3rd seeds <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Sam Williamson\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/sam-williamson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Williamson<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Filip Nowacki\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/filip-nowacki\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Filip Nowacki<\/a> won their respective heats in times of 59.56 and 59.93. Nowacki wasn\u2019t assured a victory in his heat as he had to run down South Africa\u2019s Michael Houlie who exploded off the blocks with a 26.56 first 50. The University of Tennessee product paid for his early speed, coming home in 33.58, the slowest of the top 16, but his front-end power was enough to earn him the 4th seed tonight. Of note, Houlie\u2019s opening 50 was faster than Peaty\u2019s winning time in the 50-breaststroke last year (26.76). It would also have earned the silver medal at World\u2019s last year, just .02 back of the gold.<\/p>\n<p>WOMEN\u2019S SM10 200 IM- Prelims<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p>Faye Rogers SM10 (Scotland) \u2013 2:32.00<br \/>\nKatie Cosgriffe SM10 (Canada) \u2013 2:33.05<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jasmine Greenwood\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jasmine-greenwood\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jasmine Greenwood<\/a> SM10 (Australia) \u2013 2:35.30<br \/>\nMary Jibb SM10 (Canada) \u2013 2:36.20<br \/>\nToni Shaw SM9 (Scotland) \u2013 2:40.67<br \/>\nBrock Whiston SM9 (England) \u2013 2:47.98<br \/>\nTianna Asala SM10 (Canada) \u2013 2:49.80<br \/>\nEvie Lambert SM10 (England) \u2013 2:51.59<\/p>\n<p>Faye Rogers used a strong butterfly split of 30.57, the only sub-31 second split in the field to earn the top seed in the final tonight as the Scot got the support of the crowd touching the wall in 2:32.00. Her time, a full second clear of Canada\u2019s Katie Cosgriffe, is a 1.29 seconds faster than the winning time from four years ago, but <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Jasmine Greenwood\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/jasmine-greenwood\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jasmine Greenwood<\/a> is in the field and should be faster tonight.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S S10 100 BUTTERFLY \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>World Record: 54.15 \u2013 Maksym Krypak (UKR), 2021<br \/>\nCommonwealth Games Record \u2013 56.91, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Col Pearse\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/col-pearse\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Col Pearse<\/a> (AUS), 2022<br \/>\n2022 Champion \u2013 <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Col Pearse\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/col-pearse\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Col Pearse<\/a> (AUS), 56.91<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p>Fernando Lu S10 (Canada) \u2013 58.23<br \/>\n<a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Col Pearse\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/col-pearse\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Col Pearse<\/a> S10 (Australia) \u2013 58.68<br \/>\nAlex Saffy S10 (Australia) \u2013 59.49<br \/>\nAlexander Elliot S10 (Canada) \u2013 1:01.37<br \/>\nJack Gill S10 (Canada) \u2013 1:01.49<br \/>\nBarry McClements S9 (Northern Ireland) \u2013 1:01.92<br \/>\nOliver Carter S9 (Scotland) \u2013 1:02.30<\/p>\n<p>Canada\u2019s Fernando Lu earned the top seed in the final tonight as he posted a mark of 58.23 in the prelims of the men\u2019s 100 fly. There were only seven entries in the field this morning, so swimmers may have been keeping things close to the chest and saving energy for the final tonight, so look for the defending champion <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Col Pearse\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/col-pearse\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Col Pearse<\/a> to make a run at Lu tonight.<\/p>\n<p>WOMEN\u2019S 4\u00d7100 FREESTYLE RELAY \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>World Record: 3:27.96 \u2013 Australia (O\u2019Callaghan, Jack, Harris, McKeon), 2023<br \/>\nCommonwealth Record: 3:27.96 \u2013 Australia (O\u2019Callaghan, Jack, Harris, McKeon), 2023<br \/>\nCommonwealth Games Record: 3:30.05 \u2013 Australia (Jack, B. Campbell, McKeon, C. Campbell), 2018<br \/>\n2022 Champion: Australia (Wilson, Jack, O\u2019Callaghan, McKeon) \u2013\u00a0 3:30.64<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p>Australia (Casey, Castelluzzo, Miller, Cole) \u2013 3:37.95<br \/>\nEngland (Wood, Little, Revitt, Smith) \u2013 3:40.92<br \/>\nWales (Higgs, Harris, Sutton, Davies) \u2013 3:42.41<br \/>\nScotland (Barnes, Hope, Mackie, Grieve) \u2013 3:43.69<br \/>\nSouth Africa (Nel, Meder, Thompson, de Lange) \u2013 3:43.87<br \/>\nNorthern Ireland (Hill, Hughes, McCartney, Catterson) \u2013 3:44.08<br \/>\nGuernsey (Tostevin, Rautenbach, Bourgaize, Rabey) \u2013 3:55.88<br \/>\nCayman Islands (Rabess, Broadbelt, Barrowman) \u2013 3:58.11<\/p>\n<p>The Australian women were very much playing to script as the controlled the women\u2019s 4\u00d7100 free relay. Hannah Casey led off in 53.73, the lone sub 54, let alone sub 55 split in the field and handded things over to Brittany Castelluzzo and Inez Miller who had strong swims of 53.63 and 53.7, the lone sub 54 flying starts. Jessica Cole anchored in 56.80, but the Australians had such a lead that the 200 fly specialists did only what she needed to get the Australians into the final. Expect for the world record holders to bring in Mollie O\u2019Callaghan, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Shayna Jack Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/shayna-jack\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shayna Jack<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Meg Harris\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/meg-harris\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meg Harris<\/a>, and likely Alex Perkins, who took the top seed in the 50 fly this morning.<\/p>\n<p>England too, has some changes to make. Abbie Wood led off in 55.17 for the English, and Erin Little had a strong 54.95 on the 2nd leg, but England, like Australia may swap out their whole relay as they have Eva Okaro, Freya Colbert, Freya Anderson and Leah Schlosshan on their bench for tonight.<\/p>\n<p>The remaining nations don\u2019t have the depth to make wholesale swaps but Wales, Scotland and South Africa each could make moves to improve their chances this evening. The Welsh had a strong performance this morning to nab the 3rd seed with Bex Sutton producing a strong 54.91 3rd leg for the team. Expect Theodora Taylor to come in and help her nation stay in the presumptive bronze position. The Scottish team got the crowd behind them as they finished 2nd in the first heat recording a time of 3:43.69, but will be looking for the podium tonight as they add Emma Wood and Evelyn Davis to the squad, likely joining Lucy Hope (55.64) and Lucy Grieve (55.79) tonight.<\/p>\n<p>South Africa, 5th this morning with a 3:54.87 will have several swaps as well with Erin Gallagher and Aimme Canny likely joining Rebecca Meder (54.52) and Caitlin de Lange (55.54). The Canadians, only six swimmers strong did not field a team this morning.<\/p>\n<p>MEN\u2019S 4\u00d7100 FREESTYLE RELAY \u2013 Prelims<\/p>\n<p>World Record: 3:08.24 \u2013 USA (Phelps, Weber-Gale, Jones, Lezak), 2008<br \/>\nCommonwealth Record: 3:08.97 \u2013 Australia (Southam, Taylor, Giuliani, Chalmers), 2025<br \/>\nCommonwealth Games Record: 3:11.12 \u2013 Australia (Southam, Incerti, Yang, Chalmers) , 2022<br \/>\n2022 Champion: Australia (Southam, Incerti, Yang, Chalmers) \u2013 3:11.12<\/p>\n<p>Top 8:<\/p>\n<p>Australia (Sommerville, Temple, Petric, Jack) \u2013 3:14.53<br \/>\nEngland (Mildred, Brooker, Morgan, Dean) \u2013 3:14.68<br \/>\nCanada (Liendo, Sauve, Winterborn, Wigginton) \u2013 3:17.11<br \/>\nSouth Africa (Mihaylov, Brooks, van Renen, le Clos) \u2013 3:18.14<br \/>\nScotland (Krawiec, Fearn, Norris, Smith) \u2013 3:18.68<br \/>\nMalaysia (Khiew, Singh Chahal, Lim, Tan) \u2013 3:23.90<br \/>\nIsle of Man (Watterson, Robinson, Kelly, Allen) \u2013 3:24.69<br \/>\nCayman Islands (Allison, Kish, MacDonald, Bain) \u2013 3:26.91<\/p>\n<p>The second heat was a faster affair as Australia and England were neck and neck for much of the race. The defending champions, Australia opened with Edward Sommerville. He hit the wall in 48.54, turning things over to butterflier Matthew Temple, who produced a 48.44, followed William Petric and Jamie Jack, who split 49.19 and 48.36 respectively. The quartet produced a mark of 3:14.53, but expect them to be much faster as <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Kyle Chalmers Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/kyle-chalmers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Chalmers<\/a>, <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Flynn Southam\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/flynn-southam\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Flynn Southam<\/a> and <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Kai Taylor Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/kai-taylor\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kai Taylor<\/a> have yet to swim.<\/p>\n<p>Will Petric\u2019s inclusion on the relay had some questioning the decision as he is the final of the 200 IM tonight, a feat shared by <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"Tom Dean Bio\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/bio\/tom-dean\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tom Dean<\/a> of England. While Petric produced a controlled 49.19, Dean dropped a hammer, anchoring England in 47.99 to have the team touch .15 back of the Aussie.\u00a0 Cameron Brooked produced a good 48.34 on the 2nd leg, but his result and Dean\u2019s may not be fast enough, as like Australia, the English have the depth to make a full swap.<\/p>\n<p>The first heat was a little slower, but it saw a three-way battle between Canada, South Africa and Scotland. Canada used their best swimmers this morning with Josh Liendo opening in 48.62 followed by Antoine Sauve\u2019s 49.14. With just six swimmers on the roster, Canada won\u2019t be able to bring in new leg, so if they want to improve upon their 3:17.11 time, they will have to work on their exchanges and swim faster.<\/p>\n<p>South Africa and Scotland finished a second back of Canada at 3:18.14 and 3:18.68 respectively, but each has the ability to bring in some new legs tonight. Hunting for yet another Commonwealth medal South Africa\u2019s Chad le Clos anchored his nation\u2019s relay. The 18-time Commonwealth medalist opened in 23.11 but paid for his early speed coming homed in 27.22 to split 50.33. The lone swimmer from his nation above 50.00, le Clos likely will be swapped out for 50 back top seed <a class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Pieter Coetze\" href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/pieter-coetze\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pieter Coetze<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Wales, a favorite to make the final, was DQed in the prelims, meaning that the Welsh will have to wait to see <a href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/tag\/matt-richards\/\" class=\"auto-link-tag\" title=\"View more articles about Matt Richards\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Richards<\/a> take to the water.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2026 Commonwealth Games Welcome, SwimFans, to the first day of swimming at the 2026 Commonwealth Games!!!! It\u2019s been&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":821613,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[202812,396240,396241,353267,396242,132487,396243,396244,396245,273654,354936,351172,396246,396247,396248,396249,396250,105533,396251,396252,350996,396253,352974,43,396254,350998,351173,396255,396256,352373,396257,352374,396258,350999,396259,27348,396260,25248,40979,351000,396261,396262,314430,396263,396264,351002,40980,53221,32632,396265,44,396266,396267,396268,286795,354944,288793,396269,396270,132595,396271,396272,41,39,42,40,396273,396274],"class_list":["post-821612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-headlines","tag-adam-peaty","tag-adam-ramsay-peaty","tag-alexander-graham-bell","tag-amelia-weber","tag-andrew-jeffcoat","tag-ariarne-titmus","tag-brianna-throssell","tag-bronte-campbell","tag-caitlin-deans","tag-cameron-mcevoy","tag-cate-campbell","tag-col-pearse","tag-cullen-jones","tag-duncan-scott","tag-elijah-winnington","tag-emma-mckeon","tag-erika-fairweather","tag-evan-jones","tag-eve-thomas","tag-filip-nowacki","tag-flynn-southam","tag-francesca-halsall","tag-hannah-fredericks","tag-headlines","tag-holly-mcgill","tag-iona-anderson","tag-isaac-cooper","tag-jack-alexy","tag-james-wilby","tag-jasmine-greenwood","tag-jason-lezak","tag-jenna-forrester","tag-jenna-jones","tag-kai-taylor","tag-katie-shanahan","tag-kaylee-mckeown","tag-kliment-kolesnikov","tag-kyle-chalmers","tag-lani-pallister","tag-lewis-clareburt","tag-liam-tancock","tag-lorne-wigginton","tag-madi-wilson","tag-matt-richards","tag-matthew-ward","tag-maximillian-giuliani","tag-meg-harris","tag-michael-phelps","tag-mollie-ocallaghan","tag-nathan-hendrick","tag-news","tag-oliver-dawson","tag-oliver-morgan","tag-pieter-coetze","tag-sam-williamson","tag-sarah-sjostrom","tag-shayna-jack","tag-sophie-pascoe","tag-stephen-clegg","tag-summer-mcintosh","tag-thomas-ceccon","tag-tom-dean","tag-top-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topnews","tag-topstories","tag-weber-gale","tag-william-yang"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=821612"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821612\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/821613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=821612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=821612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=821612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}