Commonwealth Games – Glasgow 2026
The Isle of Man squad delivered another determined shift in Glasgow today, producing personal bests, near‑PB swims and honest reflections as the long week of racing begins to bite.
Peter Allen opened the day in Heat 6 of the 50m Butterfly, finishing seventh in 25.15 and believing he may have dipped under his previous best. “I think it might have been a PB, so that’s great if it is,” he said. “I would like to go under 25 seconds.”
In the same heat, Harry Robinson pushed through heavy legs to take third in 24.93, admitting the toll of the meet is catching up with him. “It was a decent swim. I did breathe a bit too much,” he said. “But it’s just so late on in the week and I’m knackered, so it’s been quite a toll on me. But we’ve done pretty well in that heat, both me and Pete, so I can’t really complain.”
It’s so good to see so many Manx flags. That’s what really helps you get there.
Joel Watterson
Joel Watterson produced one of the fastest Manx swims of the day with 24.37 in Heat 8, finishing seventh and landing in the reserve spot for the next round, a familiar frustration. “Just seen the time up there and that’s put me in reserve again,” he said. “That’s a tough spot to be in. Just off my PB, and knowing that PB would have put me in. Always a tough one to bear. But we’re feeling the week. It’s the second fastest time I’ve ever been, I think.” He added that the Manx support in the stands is making a difference: “It’s thanks to all the support we get around the pool. It’s so good to see so many Manx flags. That’s what really helps you get there.”
In the Women’s 50m Freestyle, Ella Justice continued her strong meet with second place in Heat 6 and another likely PB. “I feel good. I think that was a PB so happy with that,” she said. “That’s my second PB here, so I’m really happy. I’m definitely really tired — you can feel the meet coming to an end — but a few more races left to put in a good shift, then time to have a rest.”
Long Haul
The longest race of the day saw Lauren Dennett and Kiera Prentice finish second and third in the slowest heat of the 800m Freestyle, clocking 9:31.16 and 9:31.21. For Lauren, it was a major step forward. “I don’t think I’ve swum that distance in about two years, and I want to say that was about 12 seconds quicker than my PB, so… yeah. Fantastic!”
Kiera was equally upbeat. “I think I went off a bit too fast at the start, but if there’s ever a time to try and go for it, it’s here,” she said. “I don’t regret anything, and yeah, nice to have Lauren to push me on at the end as well.” She also paid tribute to the Manx support network: “We’ve got a really good support team here… big thanks to all the physios, team managers, our coach Lee, and everyone back home including Isle of Man Sport and Utmost.”
In the Men’s 100m Backstroke, Charles Foster posted 59.72 in Heat 7, satisfied with a solid swim late in the meet. “It was a solid swim, not a PB, but nothing to be too unhappy with either given we are five days into a six‑day meet,” he said.
The Guv’nor
Away from the individual races, the Manx relay squad earned praise from His Excellency Sir John Lorimer, Lieutenant Governor, after qualifying for the final of the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay. Speaking to Joel Watterson, he said: “It’s been incredibly exciting. That was fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. They’ve done a fantastic job this week, haven’t they? So many PBs and Island records. And a really good feel in the team as well… absolutely fantastic.”
Joel echoed the pride. “Yeah, it’s good. That’s how we thought it would be, pushing that four‑minute mark. Fantastic, brilliant. We knew we’d have to put out some really tough swims to get that. The relays this week as a whole have been really strong and we’re looking forward to coming back later and trying to find a bit more.”
A long week is taking its toll at ‘Tollcross’, but the Manx swimmers are still producing PBs, fighting for finals, and showing depth, grit and unity across the squad.
