Canada's swimmers have arrived and are ready for the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a blend of proven champions, emerging stars and a leadership group entrusted by their teammates to guide one of the country's most balanced teams in Games history.
The 24-member Canadian swimming team – comprised of 12 Olympic Program and 12 Paralympic Program athletes – will be among the first athletes to begin competition when the Commonwealth Games swimming events get underway July 24 at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
The Games are unique among major international multi-sport events, bringing Olympic and Paralympic stream athletes together as one integrated team, creating an environment that has become one of the defining characteristics of the Commonwealth movement.
Adding to that team-first culture, four athletes have been selected as captains to help lead Canada’s athletes throughout the week in Scotland. Olympians Kylie Masse, Josh Liendo, and Sophie Angus along with three-time Paralympian, Alec Elliot, were selected by their teammates to serve as captains, continuing Swimming Canada's athlete-led leadership model that was introduced several years ago.
"Athlete-voted captains continue to strengthen leadership within our senior national teams," said Swimming Canada High Performance Director and National Coach John Atkinson. "Kylie, Josh, Sophie and Alec each understand the importance of this role and the trust their teammates have placed in them. They are tremendous leaders who will have a positive impact on this team throughout the Commonwealth Games."
Angus, who won two medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, understands the significance of returning to the Games as one of Canada's team captains.
"The Commonwealth Games have played such an important role in my career, so it's an honour to return as a team captain,” said Angus. “I'm excited to help lead this talented Canadian team, create an environment where everyone can perform at their best, and proudly wear the Maple Leaf alongside my teammates."
Few Canadian swimmers bring more multi-sport games experience than Masse. The five-time Olympic medallist captured five medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and four medals at her Commonwealth Games debut in 2018 Gold Coast.
Liendo was equally impressive four years ago, winning Commonwealth Games medals including gold in the men's 100 butterfly. Both swimmers return to Glasgow as established leaders, joined by Angus and Elliot, to help foster a supportive environment for a team featuring several athletes making their senior multi-sport Games debut.
That balance of experience and youth extends throughout the Olympic Program roster. Paris Olympians Masse, Liendo, Angus, Ella Jansen, Julie Brousseau and Lorne Wigginton are joined by rising talents including Madison Kryger, Oliver Dawson, Antoine Sauve, Benjamin Loewen, Ben Winterborn and Delia Lloyd.
The Paralympic Program brings an equally accomplished group to Glasgow.
Canada's 12-member Para squad features seven men and five women with extensive experience at Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. The medal-winning team will feature Reid Maxwell, Katie Cosgriffe, Mary Jibb, Nicolas-Guy Turbide along with other Paris 2024 athletes including Alec Elliot, Fernando Lu and Jagdev (Jack) Gill.
"This is an inspired group of athletes and staff who reflect the depth of the Canadian Paralympic program," said Jocelyn Jay, Swimming Canada's Associate Director, High Performance, Paralympic Program. "Our group is rich with multi-sport Games experience and are driven to support each other in a healthy environment while pushing each other to achieve their individual and team goals at the Commonwealth Games."
Canada will look to build on a successful showing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where its swimmers captured 19 medals while showcasing the depth that continues to define one of the nation's strongest summer sport programs.
The swimming competition runs July 24-29 following the Opening Ceremony on July 23. Glasgow 2026 will welcome approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories competing across 10 sports, including six Para sports.
How to Watch
CBC is the Canadian home of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with daily television coverage from July 23 through Aug. 2. The Opening Ceremony airs Thursday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream more than 1,200 hours of live competition on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and ICI TOU.TV, with a complete event schedule available across CBC's digital platforms.