The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, is set to be a spectacle of aquatic excellence, with the women's 50 and 100 butterfly events promising to be particularly thrilling. The competition is fierce, with several swimmers vying for podium positions and setting new records. Here's a deep dive into the key contenders and their prospects.
Women's 50 Butterfly
The Contenders
Alexandria Perkins (Australia): The reigning world silver medalist, Perkins has been a force to be reckoned with in the 50 fly. Her recent times of 25.62 and 25.60 are impressive, and with her track record of breaking Oceanian records, she is the favorite to take gold. Perkins' ability to consistently perform at a high level makes her a strong contender.
Erin Gallagher (South Africa): Gallagher, the joint-silver medalist in 2022, has been in fantastic form this season with a time of 25.56. Her lifetime best of 57.32 and consistent 57-point swims make her a serious threat to Perkins. Gallagher's performance at the World Championships last summer further cements her medal aspirations.
Hazel Ouwehand (New Zealand): Ouwehand, who clocked 25.55 at the New Zealand Championships, is a strong contender. Her time of 27.01 in Birmingham in 2022 and her recent performances make her a dark horse for the podium. However, her habit of adding time at major meets could be a concern.
Caitlin de Lange (South Africa): de Lange, who broke 26 seconds for the first time with a 25.98 at the South African Championships, is a rising star. Her recent focus on the 50 fly could make her a surprise contender, especially if she can maintain her form.
Zoe Pedersen (New Zealand): Pedersen, who won gold at the World Junior Championships last season, is a talented swimmer. Her time of 26.18 and her performance at the senior world championships last summer make her a contender, but her 50 free season best is yet to dip under her 50 fly lifetime best.
Eva Okaro (England): Okaro, who was the only swimmer to crack 26 seconds at the Aquatics GB Championships, is a swimmer to watch. Her time of 25.95 and her international appearances in the short course make her a dark horse for the podium.
Keanna Macinees and Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland): Both swimmers have clocked 26-mid swims this season and could be in the mix for a spot in the final. Macinees, with her age group record of 26.46, and Schlosshan, with her 200 fly strength, are contenders to watch.
SwimSwam's Picks
- Alexandria Perkins (Australia) - 25.60
- Erin Gallagher (South Africa) - 25.56
- Hazel Ouwehand (New Zealand) - 25.55
- Caitlin de Lange (South Africa) - 25.98
- Zoe Pedersen (New Zealand) - 26.18
- Eva Okaro (England) - 25.95
- Theodora Taylor (Wales) - 26.46
- Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland) - 26.38
Women's 100 Butterfly
The Contenders
Alexandria Perkins (Australia): Perkins has taken on the role of Australia's top sprint fly swimmer. Her recent times of 56.88 and 56.19 are impressive, and with her lifetime best of 56.19, she is the favorite to take gold. Perkins' consistent performances make her a strong contender.
Erin Gallagher (South Africa): Gallagher, who was 9th in both the heats and the semi-finals at the last Commonwealth Games, has been a consistent 57-point swimmer. Her lifetime best of 57.32 and recent performances make her a serious threat to Perkins.
Keanna Macinnes (Scotland): Macinnes, the Scottish record holder, has been inching her way towards the British record. Her recent times of 57.57 and 57.02 make her a contender for the podium.
Brittany Castelluzzo (Australia): Castelluzzo, who was second at Australian Trials in 57.88, is a talented swimmer. Her focus on the 200 fly could make her a surprise contender, especially if she can maintain her form.
Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland): Schlosshan, who has matching season bests of 58.00, is a contender for the final. Her 200 fly strength and recent performances make her a dark horse for the podium.
Hazel Ouwehand (New Zealand): Ouwehand, who clocked 58.00 at the New Zealand Olympic Trials, is a contender for the final. Her time of 57.43 and recent performances make her a dark horse for the podium.
Lucy Grieve (Scotland): Grieve, who has a lifetime best of 58.09, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances and her ability to add front-half speed make her a dark horse for the podium.
Emily Richards (England): Richards, who was a world junior champion in the 200 fly, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances and her trending in the right direction make her a dark horse for the podium.
SwimSwam's Picks
- Alexandria Perkins (Australia) - 56.88
- Erin Gallagher (South Africa) - 57.36
- Keanna Macinnes (Scotland) - 57.57
- Brittany Castelluzzo (Australia) - 57.88
- Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland) - 58.00
- Hazel Ouwehand (New Zealand) - 58.00
- Lucy Grieve (Scotland) - 58.56
- Emily Richards (England) - 58.73
Women's 200 Butterfly
The Contenders
Elizabeth Dekkers (Australia): Dekkers, the reigning World Championships bronze medalist, is the favorite to defend her title. Her recent time of 2:04.95 and her consistent performances make her a strong contender.
Keanna Macinnes (Scotland): Macinnes, the fastest British swimmer this season, has a strong shot at the podium. Her recent times of 2:07.02 and 2:07.10 make her a serious threat to Dekkers.
Brittany Castelluzzo (Australia): Castelluzzo, who missed her lifetime best at Australian Trials by a few hundredths, is a contender for the podium. Her recent performances and her focus on the 200 fly make her a dark horse.
Emily Richards (England): Richards, who was a world junior champion in the 200 fly, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances and her trending in the right direction make her a dark horse for the podium.
Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland): Schlosshan, who has a season best of 2:08.60, is a contender for the final. Her 200 fly strength and recent performances make her a dark horse for the podium.
Lucy Fox (England): Fox, who has a best of 2:08.90, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances and her dropping over two seconds this year make her a dark horse for the podium.
Jess Cole (Australia): Cole, who set a new best of 2:08.81 at the Australian Trials, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances and her age make her a dark horse for the podium.
Ella Jansen (Canada): Jansen, who has a season best of 2:10.03 and a lifetime best of 2:09.68, is a contender for the final. Her recent performances make her a dark horse for the podium.
SwimSwam's Picks
- Elizabeth Dekkers (Australia) - 2:04.95
- Keanna Macinnes (Scotland) - 2:07.02
- Brittany Castelluzzo (Australia) - 2:06.95
- Emily Richards (England) - 2:07.70
- Ciara Schlosshan (Scotland) - 2:08.60
- Lucy Fox (England) - 2:08.90
- Jess Cole (Australia) - 2:08.81
- Ella Jansen (Canada) - 2:10.03
In conclusion, the 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be a thrilling spectacle of aquatic excellence, with several swimmers vying for podium positions and setting new records. The women's 50 and 100 butterfly events, in particular, are expected to be highly competitive, with several swimmers capable of breaking records and claiming gold.
