Glasgow (AFP) – Duncan Scott delivered hosts Scotland's first gold medal of the Commonwealth Games to break up Australia's dominance of the pool on the first full day of action in Glasgow on Friday.
Issued on: 24/07/2026 - 23:24Modified: 24/07/2026 - 23:37
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With the programme nearly halved to just 10 sports, swimming is the highlight of the schedule across the opening weekend.Scott set a Games record of 1min 56.38sec to win the 200-metre individual medley from New Zealand's Lewis Clareburt and England's Thomas Dean.The 29-year-old now has four Commonwealth golds and 14 medals in total."It was a tough one because you really want to give the team some good momentum early doors and being one of the senior members of the team, the onus was on me," said Scott."I was a bit nervous before that. Those boys made it tough, but I'm happy with that. It's a good way to start the meet."Elsewhere, Australia's green and gold topped the podium, with an extra bonus for those who emerged victorious.Mining baron Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person, is funding an incentive scheme of 20,000 Australian dollars ($14,000) for every gold medal and 30,000 Australian dollars for breaking a world record.Aussie swimmers dominated in Birmingham four years ago, taking home nearly half of the 52 gold medals on offer, and won four of the five finals on opening night.Lani Pallister was first to cash in as she led an Australian 1-2-3 in the women's 400m freestyle.
