Cam McEvoy Stalking Elusive Commonwealth Games Title in 50 Freestyle
When Cam McEvoy arrives at the Commonwealth Games later this month in Glasgow, the Australian veteran will chase his own world record in the 50-meter freestyle. At the China Open earlier this year, McEvoy ripped a mark of 20.88 to take down the longstanding standard of Brazil’s Cesar Cielo, who clocked 20.91 in 2009. For McEvoy, the record completed his career Triple Crown, as he already secured Olympic and World Championships gold in the event.
This summer will mark McEvoy’s third appearance at Commonwealths, having competed in 2014 and 2018. He missed the 2022 edition of the meet while taking a break from the sport. McEvoy has prioritized the competition in Scotland as his main meet for 2026, deciding to bypass on the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine next month.
For all McEvoy has accomplished during his career, an individual Commonwealth Games title has proven elusive. The 32-year-old owns three gold medals from relay competition, along with a silver medal. On an individual basis, McEvoy swept silver medals in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle at the 2014 Commonwealths, and he was the bronze medalist in the 50 free at the 2018 Commonwealths.
What McEvoy achieved in 2014, appearing on the podium from the 50 through 200 freestyle distances, serves as a reminder that the Aussie wasn’t always a sprint maven. Before shifting his attention to the one-lap dash, McEvoy established himself as one of the finest from Down Under in the 100 freestyle (47.04) and 200 freestyle (1:45.46).
But his focus on the 50 freestyle has undoubtedly paid off, the move bringing Olympic glory and a much-celebrated world record. Known for his willingness to apply science to his training, McEvoy has never been afraid to experiment with different methodologies. Consequently, he led a push to log less training meters than the norm, and to enhance his workload in the gym.
With the 2028 Olympic Games less than two years away, McEvoy is targeting defense of the crown he captured in Paris. He has also looked ahead to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, publicly stating that the opportunity to compete on home soil is enticing. But first, he’ll try to nail down that missing Commonwealth Games gold in the 50 freestyle, and make a run at his world record.
It’s a good bet he’ll get the job done.