2026 Commonwealth Games: Nel Forgoes 100 Free Semis For 100 Back Final (Night 3 Scratches)

2026 Commonwealth Games

There is only one finals scratch on the third day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, coming in the women’s 100 free. Olivia Nel, who was the #11 seed in 55.32, has pulled out of the semi-finals.

That pulls Ugandan record holder Gloria Muzito into the semi-finals after her 55.88 this morning. She has a season best time of 55.26 from the Islamic Solidarity Games in November, which stands as the national record, and split 54.95 on Uganda’s mixed 4×100 free relay last night as they finished 6th.

Nel will swim the 100 back final tonight after qualifying 5th in 1:00.48. She has a lifetime best of 1:00.33 from the World Championships last summer, and with only one swimmer breaking 1:00 in the semi-finals last night she will fancy her chances of winning a medal.

She held the African record in the 50 back from July 2025 until March 2026, clocking 27.91 for bronze at the World University Games. She has already won a medal at the Commonwealth Games this year as part of South Africa’s women’s 4×100 free relay, which placed 3rd in a new African record of 3:38.67.

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