Commonwealth Games, Day Two Para Events: William Ellard Mines Gold in 200 Freestyle; Completes Career Slam
Two years ago, William Ellard celebrated the peak moment of his career when he captured the gold medal in the 200-meter freestyle at the Paralympic Games in Paris. On Saturday night, the Englishman complemented that previous title with victory at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In his latest international win, Ellard cruised away from the competition, prevailing by three-plus seconds.
Ellard notched a time of 1:51.66 and was never threatened during action at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. He went out in 25.38, fired off middle splits of 28.04 and 28.64, and closed in 29.60. Ellard didn’t just back up his Olympic crown, he completed the career Grand Slam in the event, as he is also a world and European champion in the S14 category of the 200 freestyle.
Picking up the silver medal was Australia’s Jack Ireland, who finished in 1:55.22. The bronze medal was won by Wales’ Rhys Darbey (1:56.24).
Women’s 200 Freestyle (S14)
England’s Georgia Sheffield had appeared on a major podium before Saturday night, having won medals in the 100 backstroke at the 2023 and 2025 Para World Championships. But she now has a global medal in the 200 freestyle, which she won in Glasgow in a Games-record time. Sitting in third place at the halfway point of the race, Sheffield took control over the back half and recorded a time of 2:06.07, which handed her a decisive triumph.
Poppy Maskill gave England a sweep of the top-two positions, as she placed second in 2:07.44. Maskill was a five-time medalist at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, including a silver in the 200 freestyle. The leader through 100 meters, Northern Ireland’s Bethany Firth earned the bronze medal, going 2:07.63.