The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, promises to be an exciting showcase for some of the world's top swimmers, particularly in the men's distance events. One name that stands out is Sam Short, an Australian swimmer who is eyeing a potential sweep of the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events.
Short's dominance in these events is not just a matter of chance; it's a testament to his consistent form and impressive performances over the past few seasons. He has been on fire at the Australian Trials, clocking impressive times that have put him in a league of his own.
The 400m Freestyle: Short's Reign
In the 400m freestyle, Short is the clear favorite. His season-best time of 3:40.67 is a monster, and he has been consistently improving throughout the year. With his main rival, Dan Wiffen, seemingly out of form, Short is poised to reclaim the top spot on the podium, a position he last held in 2023.
The addition of the 800m freestyle to the men's event lineup at the Commonwealth Games further solidifies Short's dominance. He holds the Commonwealth Record in this event with a time of 7:36.73, a performance that puts him in the top three all-time. His closest competitor, Dan Wiffen, is nearly ten seconds behind, which highlights the gap in performance between the two.
Wiffen's Enigma
Dan Wiffen, the Olympic champion in the 800m freestyle, presents an intriguing enigma. His move to Cal and subsequent return to Ireland has seemingly affected his form, with his best time this season being a 3:49.35. However, Wiffen is a medal contender at his best, and with the Commonwealth Games being as close to a home crowd as he'll get, he could surprise many.
Rekindling Old Flames
James Guy, a surprise returnee to the 400m freestyle event, has the second-fastest season best. His time of 3:44.04 is a decade-best for him, and he has proven himself to be a big race swimmer in the past. Guy's return to the event could add an interesting dynamic to the race, especially if he can challenge Short for the top spot.
The 800m and 1500m Freestyle: Short's Sweep
In the 800m freestyle, Short is again the heavy favorite. His new PB of 7:36.73 is nearly 11 seconds faster than anyone else in the field, and he has the speed and strength to back up his performances. Illness has been a concern for Short in recent international finals, but his elite racing skills in the 400m freestyle give him an edge.
The 1500m freestyle sees Short as the top seed, but his focus on the 200m freestyle could leave an opening for Wiffen, who holds the Commonwealth Record in this event. Short's fastest time this season is 14:42.09, but he has the talent and form to go faster. Wiffen, the 2024 world champion, could be a threat if he can return to his best form.
Bronze Battle
The battle for bronze in the 1500m freestyle is an intriguing one, with two Australians, Matt Galea and Benjamin Goedemans, leading the charge. Both have represented Australia internationally, but a global podium has eluded them. Their performances at the Australian Trials, where they clocked 14:50s, set the stage for a tight battle.
Conclusion
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a showcase of talent and a test of endurance for these distance swimmers. Sam Short's potential sweep of the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events is an ambitious goal, but one that he seems well-positioned to achieve. The competition from Wiffen and the other contenders will add an exciting layer to these races, making them must-watch events at the Games.
As we look forward to these races, one thing is certain: the men's distance events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a thrilling spectacle of swimming excellence.
