The 2026 Commonwealth Games are fast approaching, and the women's backstroke events are shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. With the absence of the formidable Kaylee McKeown, who withdrew due to glandular fever, the field is wide open for new contenders. The women's 100 and 200 backstroke events, in particular, are up for grabs, with several swimmers poised to challenge for the top spots.
In the 50 backstroke, Canada's Kylie Masse is a force to be reckoned with. She set the Commonwealth Games record at 27.31 in 2022 and has been consistently faster than that time, most recently setting a new personal best of 27.13 at the 2025 Pro Swim Series. Masse's season best of 27.35 from the Canadian Trials ranks her 10th in the world this year, making her a strong contender for gold.
Australia's Mollie O'Callaghan, the silver medalist in 2022, is another swimmer to watch. However, she has recently stepped away from backstroke events internationally and is dealing with a stress fracture in her back. Her best time of 27.16 from 2024 and season best of 27.19 from the Australian Trials make her a serious threat if she chooses to race.
The Aussies also have a few other swimmers in the mix, including Iona Anderson, Alexandria Perkins, and Lauren Cox. Anderson, currently ranked 9th in the world this season, swam a new lifetime best of 27.33 at the Australian Trials, taking two tenths off her previous record. Perkins and Cox are also under 28 seconds and could challenge for medals.
South Africa's Jessica Thompson and Olivia Nel have also been under 28 seconds, with Thompson swimming 27.67 at the SA National Youth Championships and Nel at 27.91 at the World University Games. Madison Kryger, despite never being under 28 seconds, could still earn a spot in the 'A' final.
In the 100 backstroke, the absence of McKeown is more pronounced. Kylie Masse, the silver medalist in 2022, has been inconsistent this season, with a best time of 58.87 ranking her 13th in the world. Iona Anderson, currently ranked 8th in the world, is a top contender with a lifetime best of 58.43. O'Callaghan, however, is unlikely to swim the event.
Canada's Madison Kryger is another potential contender, sitting at 23rd in the world with a new lifetime best of 59.59. Lauren Cox and Hannah Fredericks are also in the mix, with Cox earning a spot in the 'A' final at the 2025 World Championships and Fredericks swimming under 1:00 this season.
The 200 backstroke is a different story, with two of the three 2022 medalists returning. Kylie Masse, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, has not raced the event since then and her participation is uncertain. Katie Shanahan, the bronze medalist in 2022, has a season best of 2:08.85 and is practically a lock for a top-eight finish.
Australia's Iona Anderson and Hannah Fredericks are also strong contenders, with Anderson swimming a new best time of 2:07.59 at the Australian Trials and Fredericks with a lifetime best of 2:07.99. Canada's Madison Kryger and Jenna Forrester, as well as South Africa's Hannah Pearse, are also in the running for a spot in the final.
In conclusion, the 2026 Commonwealth Games women's backstroke events promise to be a thrilling display of swimming prowess. With the absence of McKeown and the emergence of new contenders, the competition is fierce, and the results will be closely watched by fans around the world.
