Team Scotland’s swimming squad has taken a significant step forward ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with three more Olympians joining the roster to bolster their medal hopes. The additions—Katie Shanahan, Keanna MacInnes and Lucy Hope—bring experience and pedigree to a team already anchored by the pre-selected Duncan Scott and Angharad Evans. As the Games approach, Scotland’s swimming contingent is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the pool, with athletes who have already proven their mettle on the world stage.
The announcement comes as Scotland continues its push to secure podium finishes in Glasgow, where the Commonwealth Games will serve as a crucial test for athletes eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With the event set to take place from July 24 to August 4, 2026, the Scottish Swimming Association has been meticulous in assembling a squad capable of challenging the traditional swimming powerhouses of Australia, Canada, and England. The inclusion of Shanahan, MacInnes, and Hope—each with Olympic experience—signals confidence in their ability to deliver under pressure.
For Katie Shanahan, a two-time Olympian known for her versatility across freestyle and individual medley events, the Commonwealth Games represent an opportunity to add another major title to her resume. Shanahan, who competed in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, has been a consistent performer in international competitions, including multiple podium finishes at the European Championships. Her selection underscores Scotland’s strategy to leverage depth across multiple strokes, a tactic that could pay dividends in Glasgow’s 25-meter pool, where technical execution is paramount.
Keanna MacInnes, another standout from Scotland’s recent Olympic campaigns, brings a mix of speed and endurance to the team. The 2024 Paris Olympian has been a rising star in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events, where her explosive starts and tactical racing have made her a formidable opponent. MacInnes’ inclusion also highlights Scotland’s focus on sprint disciplines, where the team has historically struggled to compete with the likes of Australia and South Africa. Her addition could shift the balance in those critical races.
Rounding out the trio is Lucy Hope, a backstroke specialist who has steadily climbed the ranks in recent years. Hope, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, has been a consistent performer in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke, events where Scotland has historically had to rely on individual brilliance rather than depth. Her selection suggests a belief that Glasgow could be the stage for a breakthrough in these events, where technical precision and race strategy are often the deciding factors.
The Full Squad: Experience Meets Ambition
The complete Scottish swimming team for Glasgow 2026 now stands at five athletes, each with a distinct role to play in Scotland’s quest for medals. Alongside the newly selected trio, Duncan Scott—Scotland’s most decorated Olympic swimmer—remains the cornerstone of the squad. Scott, a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 2016 Rio and bronze in 2020 Tokyo), has been the face of Scottish swimming for over a decade and will look to add Commonwealth Games gold to his collection. His presence alone elevates the team’s profile, but his decision to participate in Glasgow is seen as a vote of confidence in the event’s significance.
Angharad Evans, the other pre-selected athlete, brings a different dimension to the squad. A 2024 Paris Olympian in the 400-meter individual medley, Evans is known for her endurance and ability to excel in longer-distance events. Her inclusion ensures Scotland has representation in both sprint and endurance disciplines, a balanced approach that could yield results across the medal table.
Why Glasgow 2026 Matters for Scottish Swimming
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are more than just a sporting event for Scotland—they are a stepping stone to 2028 Los Angeles and a chance to assert dominance in home waters. Swimming has long been a strength for Scotland, but the team has struggled to convert Olympic performances into Commonwealth success. The last time Scotland won a swimming gold at the Games was in 2014 Glasgow, when Scott claimed the 400-meter freestyle title. Since then, the team has won just one other gold, in 2018 Gold Coast, highlighting the need for consistency.
This year’s squad is designed to address those gaps. With Shanahan, MacInnes, and Hope joining Scott and Evans, Scotland now has a team that can compete across all major events. The 4×100-meter freestyle relay, 4×200-meter freestyle relay, and individual sprints are all areas where the team could make an impact, provided they can execute under pressure. The 25-meter pool in Glasgow will also play to Scotland’s strengths, as the shorter distances favor tactical racing and technical precision—areas where the team has historically excelled.
For the athletes, the Games represent a chance to prove their mettle on a global stage. With the 2028 Olympics looming, Glasgow 2026 will serve as a litmus test for their readiness to compete at the highest level. The pressure is on, but the squad’s composition suggests Scotland is serious about challenging the traditional swimming powers.
What’s Next: Training and Selection
With the team now fully named, the focus shifts to training and preparation. The athletes will undergo a rigorous regimen leading up to the Games, with Scotland’s swimming coaches working to refine their techniques and race strategies. The Scottish Swimming Association has already begun outreach programs to support the athletes, including mental health resources and performance analytics to ensure they are in peak condition by July.
The next major checkpoint for the team will be the 2026 European Aquatics Championships, scheduled for August 14–29, 2026 in Belgrade, Serbia. This event will serve as a final tune-up before Glasgow, allowing the athletes to test their forms against European competition. Performance in Belgrade could also influence any last-minute adjustments to the team’s lineup, though the current squad appears set.
For fans and supporters, the road to Glasgow is already well underway. The Scottish Swimming Association has launched a campaign to rally public support, encouraging attendance at the Games and donations to the athletes’ training funds. With tickets for the swimming events expected to sell out quickly, the atmosphere in Glasgow’s Temporary Aquatics Centre promises to be electric, especially for home fans cheering on their team.
Key Takeaways
- Team Scotland’s swimming squad for Glasgow 2026 now includes five athletes: Katie Shanahan, Keanna MacInnes, Lucy Hope, Duncan Scott, and Angharad Evans.
- The additions of Shanahan, MacInnes, and Hope bring Olympic experience and depth across freestyle, backstroke, and sprint events.
- Glasgow 2026 is seen as a crucial stepping stone for Scotland’s athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- The team’s strategy focuses on technical precision and tactical racing, areas where Scotland has historically excelled.
- The next major milestone is the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where the athletes will fine-tune their performances.
The journey to Glasgow has begun, and with this squad, Scotland is positioning itself as a genuine contender for medals. Whether they can replicate the success of 2014 Glasgow remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the team is ready to fight for every race, every lane, and every second in the pool.
As the countdown to the Games continues, we’ll be bringing you updates on the team’s training, key races, and their progress toward Glasgow. In the meantime, you can follow the athletes’ journeys on their official social media channels and stay tuned for exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage leading up to the event.
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