Angharad Evans has become the first woman named to Team Scotland’s swimming squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 22-year-old breaststroke specialist joins Duncan Scott as the second swimmer pre-selected for the home Games, earning her spot through a string of breakthrough performances that have rewritten British record books.
The University of Stirling swimmer continues to turn heads with her rapid rise. She now holds the British record in the 100m breaststroke with a stunning 1:05.38 set at the 2024 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, making her the only British woman ever to break the 1:06 barrier.
A Season of Historic Breakthroughs
Evans has enjoyed a remarkable 14 months that have transformed her from promising talent to genuine medal contender.
Her landmark achievements include:
- British 100m breaststroke record: 1:05.38 (April 2024)
- British all-time third fastest 200m breaststroke: 2:21.86
- Silver medal in women’s medley relay at 2024 World Short Course Championships
- Individual silver in 200m breaststroke at 2025 European Short Course Championships in Lublin
- Top-six fastest domestic 100m breaststroke times in British history
These results mark the fastest progression ever seen from a British female breaststroker.
Home Games Dream Becomes Reality
The Glasgow 2026 Games hold special significance for Scottish swimmers. The aquatic events return to Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the same venue that hosted memorable moments during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Evans will compete between 24-29 July 2026 in front of home crowds, twelve years after Glasgow last hosted the Games.
“This means everything to me,” Evans said through Scottish Swimming. “To be the first female swimmer selected for Team Scotland is such a special moment. It gives me huge confidence in my ability and makes me even more determined to make Scotland proud on home soil.”
Perfect Partnership with New Head Coach
Team Scotland appointed Ben Higson as Head Coach for Glasgow 2026, creating an ideal scenario for Evans.
Higson serves as head coach at the University of Stirling, where Evans trains daily alongside Duncan Scott, Tom Dean, and Jack McMillan in one of Britain’s premier performance programs.
“Returning to Glasgow with Team Scotland is a huge honour,” Higson said. “2014 was my first senior international coaching experience and I cannot wait to come back to Tollcross with this talented group.”
The appointment means Evans will compete at the Commonwealth Games under the same coach who guides her daily training, ensuring perfect continuity in preparation.
What This Means for Scottish Swimming
Evans’ selection signals the strength of Scotland’s current generation. While competing internationally for Great Britain, swimmers represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, creating unique opportunities for home nation success.
Her presence guarantees Scotland at least one genuine medal contender in the breaststroke events. The 100m breaststroke final could see Evans challenge the world’s best on home water, exactly where Scottish swimming fans hope to see history made.
The scaled-back Glasgow 2026 program features just 11 sports, making every selection even more significant. Swimming remains one of the centerpiece events, ensuring maximum attention on athletes like Evans.
Scottish Swimming has adopted a performance-based selection policy for 2026. Athletes who achieve predetermined standards earn automatic selection, explaining Evans’ early naming to the team eighteen months before competition.
This approach rewards current form while giving selected athletes the longest possible preparation window.
Evans now carries the hopes of Scottish swimming fans who remember 2014’s electric atmosphere at Tollcross. The opportunity to create new memories in the same pool, this time wearing Scotland colors, represents the ultimate home Games dream.
As the first woman selected and one of the brightest British talents in any stroke, Angharad Evans stands ready to deliver something special when Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth in 2026.
The journey that took her from Stirling training pools to British record holder has reached its most exciting chapter yet. Home water awaits.
