How Alice Tai 'masterclass' secured 'unheard of' achievement with 100m backstroke gold at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Published 26/07/2026 at 21:44 GMT+1
React to this story
England’s Alice Tai was praised for an ”absolute masterclass” and an ”unheard of” achievement after winning gold in the S9 women's 100m backstroke at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Tai secured a dominant victory in Glasgow as she finished 2.13 seconds ahead of Australia's Gemma Sellick.
'Absolutely unheard of' - Watch as Para swimmer Tai wins gold at THIRD Commonwealth Games
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 27-year-old, who had her right leg amputated below the knee in 2022, has now won 100m backstroke gold at the last three Games in a row.
TNT Sports expert and Paralympic swimmer Grace Harvey was wowed by Tai's dominance over an eight-year period.
”That is absolutely unheard of,” said Harvey. ”To defend, then defend again, a title, it was an absolute masterclass from start to finish.”
Tai didn’t have the strongest start to the race but moved through the field and was close to the lead by the halfway stage.
She then powered clear in the second 50m to win by a comfortable margin.
Harvey added: ”It was all about that clean swim speed, not having the best start of the best turn, we really saw her move through the field in that second 50 and there was no denying her that victory.
”There were masses of clear water between Tai and the two Australians in silver and bronze at the end.”
As well as her Commonwealth Games success, Tai is a three-time Paralympic gold medallist.
At Paris 2024 she set a new Paralympic record in winning the S8 100m backstroke.
Reflecting on her 100m victory in Glasgow, which came soon after recovering from injury ahead of the event, she told TNT Sports: ”I’m feeling ecstatic. I didn’t realise we were the first race, so that was a bit crazy.
- How to watch Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android
”To retain the title three Games running is really special – I don’t think I’ve processed it fully. I only got the green light from the doctors earlier this week. Before that, I thought my season was over. It was so last-minute, but I couldn’t have asked for a better result.”
Tai is also competing in the S9 women's freestyle 100m at the Games.
She will take part in the heats on Wednesday morning, with the final later in the day.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement