Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Ellie Simmonds on Duncan Scott, Adam Ramsay-Peaty, Para swimming and the races to watch
By Ben Snowball
Updated 29/07/2026 at 14:01 GMT+1
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Swimming has long provided some of the defining moments of the Commonwealth Games - and Glasgow 2026 looks set to deliver another blockbuster fortnight in the pool at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
How the Commonwealth Games differs from the Olympics explained
Video credit: TNT Sports
Adam Ramsay-Peaty headlines a star-studded field after deciding to extend his career through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The two-time Olympic champion, whose surname is now stretched following his marriage to chef Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly last year, returns in search of more Commonwealth success.
Duncan Scott, Scotland's most decorated Olympian, is back at the venue where he won his first Commonwealth titles in 2014, while six-time Paralympic champion Bethany Firth returns to competition after giving birth to her daughter.
There is no shortage of international talent either. South Africa's Chad Le Clos is bidding for a record-breaking 19th Commonwealth Games medal, while Australia's five-time Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown is among the favourites for more gold.
Ahead of Glasgow 2026, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, we caught up with five-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds to pick out the swimmers to watch, the races not to miss, and what makes the Commonwealth Games so special.
Who are the swimmers to watch?
Ellie Simmonds: "I'm really excited to see Bethany Firth. She'll be competing in the S14 200m freestyle and I'm really looking forward to watching her because she's achieved so much.
"She went to London 2012, then Rio, then Tokyo, then took a break to have her daughter, Charlotte. She's come back this year and broken the S14 100m backstroke world record.Â
"For me, it's great to support her and highlight what she's doing as a figurehead for women, showing you can focus on your sport and also be a mum.Â
"She's definitely one to watch for Northern Ireland, but she's going to have it tough with the likes of Poppy Maskill, who came away with five medals at the Paris Paralympics. It's going to be a brilliant race between the S14 swimmers."
Which race can't you wait for?
Simmonds: "I'm excited for the men's 200m freestyle. Team GB has such a rich history in that event, especially with the 4x200m freestyle relay.
"You've got Matt Richards competing for Wales, former Olympic champion Tom Dean for England, Duncan Scott for Scotland and Jack McMillan for Northern Ireland.
"Duncan became Scotland's most decorated Olympian in Paris, overtaking Chris Hoy, and he's already won 13 Commonwealth Games medals.
"There are so many names to watch in the 200m freestyle. I think it's definitely going to be the race of the Games."
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Watch glorious moment Team GB defend 4x200m freestyle relay gold in style
Video credit: TNT Sports
Can Duncan Scott deliver on home soil?
Simmonds: "Home fans should be so excited. He's got so much experience and he's one of those athletes who always rises to the occasion.
"We've seen that at so many Olympic Games and he's achieved so much at the Commonwealth Games too. He's a proud Scot, carries himself brilliantly and is amazing to watch."
What can we expect from Adam Ramsay-Peaty?
Simmonds: "Adam has spoken very openly about the highs and lows he's experienced with his mental health.
"He's a legend. What he's has achieved in swimming and for Team GB is incredible.
"He's definitely one to watch, although he'll have some youngsters nipping at his heels, including Jersey's Filip Nowacki, who Adam has taken under his wing, and Max Morgan.
"Whatever Adam does now is the icing on the cake. He's inspired so many swimmers and has already written his name in the history books."
Why is integrated Para sport so important?
Simmonds: "It's great for Para sport. We've not just got Para swimming - there's Para athletics, Para cycling, Para powerlifting and Para bowls too.
"It's brilliant for the crowd because people learn about Paralympic sport while they're watching, and viewers on TNT Sports and HBO Max get to see such a wide range of sports, events and disabilities.
"I think television has a real power to educate society. We see representation becoming more important across television generally, and sport can inspire people too.
"I remember watching the Athens 2004 Paralympics and seeing people like me on television. It made me realise there was Para sport and that I could be like them and go to the Paralympics.
"There might be children watching at home who see themselves represented and think, 'Wow, I can get into Para sport.' That's how you inspire the next generation."
Can you explain the Para swimming classifications?
Simmonds: "There are classifications for physical, visual and intellectual impairments.
"S1 to S10 are physical impairments. S1 is the most impaired athlete and S10 the least impaired.
"S11, S12 and S13 are for visual impairments. S11 swimmers compete with blacked-out goggles, they have no vision, while S12 and S13 have varying levels of sight.
"S14 is for athletes with an intellectual impairment. That's the classification Bethany Firth and Poppy Maskill compete in.
"At the Commonwealth Games, they don't include every classification. They select the events that are strongest across the Commonwealth nations, so you get the most competitive fields."
What is your favourite Commonwealth Games memory?
Simmonds: "Working at Birmingham 2022 has to be my favourite. I remember walking into Centenary Square and just feeling the buzz. That's what sport does - it brings a city together and makes it come alive.
"I'm excited to experience that atmosphere again in Glasgow and to be part of the TNT Sports team.
"We've got so many incredible Olympians, Paralympians and medal winners involved, so it's going to be really special."
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