The 2026 Commonwealth Games are fast approaching, and the women's backstroke events are shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, especially after the unexpected withdrawal of world champion and record holder Kaylee McKeown due to glandular fever. This development has left a void at the top, with the 100 and 200 backstroke events wide open for new champions. The absence of McKeown, who held the Commonwealth record in both events, has created a unique opportunity for other swimmers to step up and claim their moment in the spotlight.
The 50 Backstroke: A Battle of Speed and Strategy
In the 50 backstroke, the focus shifts to the sprint, where Canada's Kylie Masse, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, is the only returning medalist. Masse, who set the Commonwealth Games record at 27.31, is a force to be reckoned with. Her recent personal best of 27.13 at the 2025 Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale showcases her exceptional form. However, the competition is fierce, with Australia's Mollie O'Callaghan, who has stepped away from backstroke, potentially returning to the sprint event. O'Callaghan's best time of 27.16 from 2024 and her season best of 27.19 from the Australian Trials make her a serious contender. The Aussies will also field Iona Anderson, Alexandria Perkins, and Lauren Cox, all of whom have the potential to challenge for medals.
South Africa's Jessica Thompson and Olivia Nel, who have both been under 28 seconds in the past year, add further depth to the field. Madison Kryger, though not under 28 seconds, could still make a splash in the 'A' final. The race promises to be a thrilling display of speed and strategy, with Masse and O'Callaghan at the forefront, but the Aussies and other contenders ready to challenge for the podium.
The 100 Backstroke: A Race for the Top
The 100 backstroke is where McKeown's absence is most keenly felt. The event, once dominated by McKeown, now has a more open feel, with two returning medalists, Kylie Masse and Medi Harris, and a host of other swimmers ready to step up. Masse, the silver medalist in 2022, has not been under 58 seconds since May 2024, but her Olympic bronze medal performance of 58.57 in 2024 adds to her credentials. Harris, the bronze medalist, has a season best of 1:01.79, but her lifetime best of 59.24 from February 2022 suggests she could be a dark horse.
Iona Anderson, the top swimmer in the world this year, with a time of 58.60, is a strong contender. Her lifetime best of 58.43 is well under the Commonwealth Games record set by McKeown. O'Callaghan, though unlikely to swim the event, could still make an impact. Canada's Madison Kryger, with a new lifetime best of 59.59 from the Canadian Trials, adds further depth to the field. Lauren Cox and Hannah Fredericks, both with season and lifetime bests of 59.45, will battle for podium spots, while Katie Shanahan and Olivia Nel, with lifetime bests of 1:00, will be trying to earn their way into the final.
The 200 Backstroke: A Test of Endurance and Technique
In the 200 backstroke, two of the three medalists from 2022 are back, but it is uncertain if both will race. Kylie Masse, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, has not raced the event since her medal-winning performance, leaving her participation in doubt. Katie Shanahan, the bronze medalist in 2022, is a lock for a top-eight finish with her season best of 2:08.85. Scotland's Holly McGill, with a lifetime best of 2:08.20, will need to find her form to secure a second swim.
Canada will lean on Madison Kryger, who has a lifetime best of 2:08.17 from the Canadian Trials, as their top performer. Australia's Iona Anderson and Hannah Fredericks, with season bests of 2:07.59 and 2:07.99 respectively, add further depth to the field. Jenna Forrester, with a lifetime best of 2:09.13, and South Africa's Hannah Pearse, with a lifetime best of 2:10.39, could also make the final. The race promises to be a test of endurance and technique, with Masse's potential absence adding an element of uncertainty.
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games draw near, the women's backstroke events are set to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination. The absence of Kaylee McKeown has created a unique opportunity for other swimmers to step up and claim their moment in the spotlight. The competition is fierce, with multiple contenders in each event, and the races are sure to be fast, exciting, and full of surprises. The Commonwealth Games are a celebration of swimming excellence, and the backstroke events are no exception, offering a unique and captivating spectacle for fans around the world.
