Keanna Macinnes declares Commonwealth Games dream after silver in 'weaker' event as Aussies rule

It’s not even her strongest event, but Scotland’s Keanna Macinnes rose to the occasion in the women’s 100 metres butterfly final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, winning a silver medal and breaking her own Scottish record in the process.

The Edinburgh swimmer was one of three Scots in the final and there were emotional scenes at the side of the pool as she was embraced by Ciara Schlosshan and Lucy Grieve, who finished fifth and sixth respectively.

Having won a medal, Macinnes admitted the pressure was off, with her favourite 200m butterfly still to come on Wednesday. And the University of Stirling athlete said she would love to upgrade to gold and hear Flower of Scotland ringing out at Tollcross.

Scotland's Keanna Macinnes won silver in the women's 100m butterfly final. | SNS Group

“Absolutely incredible,” said Macinnes, who was second to Australia’s Alex Perkins. “A couple of years ago this was an add-on event for me. The 200 is definitely my strongest event, so it wasn't until a couple of months ago when Australia had their trials, and I could see the whole field coming into this, that I might have a chance of a medal here. To actually succeed is incredible.

“It definitely takes the pressure off. Obviously it is a big ask [to win the 200m], but I would love to hear the national anthem still. That would be my absolute dream come true.”

Macinnes’ time of 56.38sec shaved 0.34 of a second off her previous record.

Archie Goodburn did not claim a place on the podium but won the hearts and minds of everyone in the arena as he finished seventh in the men’s 50m breaststroke. The Edinburgh swimmer was diagnosed in May 2024 with a rare, inoperable form of brain cancer but has fought back to compete at an elite level.

“I’m disappointed with the result but I feel fortunate and very blessed to have even had the chance to take part against such a competitive field,” said Goodburn after Australia’s Sam Williamson took gold, with South Africa’s Michael Houlie second and Adam Peaty-Ramsay of England third.

The Edinburgh swimmer described the reception he got as “monumental”.

“I think I’ll look back on it as a pretty incredible moment in my life but right now I’m frustrated with my time,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of tough months over the past few years. The position I was in this time last year, it was a dark spot.

“So looking back on it 12 months later, everything I’ve managed to achieve over the year with the support of my family and friends, everyone at the University of Edinburgh, I can’t say a big enough thank you. Long may that continue.”

Goodburn, 25, was given access last year to a drug called Vorasidenib which has halted the tumour’s growth and has campaigned tirelessly for others suffering from brain cancer.

“I advocate because I believe my own advocacy can make a difference,” he said as he fought back tears. “The best way I can do that is be positive about the situation. I advocate for change but I also advocate for the future Archies, I swim for the future Archies who want to achieve on an international level.

“It’s also for young patients, people with brain cancer under the age of 40. Brain cancer is the biggest killer of all cancers for people under 40 in the UK.

“I do believe that our advocacy groups and the one I’m part of are making a difference to that which we will hopefully see over the next few years.”

Scott frustrated by fourth place

Duncan Scott, who has already won a gold at these Games, was left frustrated by a fourth-place finish in the 200m butterfly. He was seventh after the first length and fought his way back but he couldn’t quite get among the medals. Lewis Clareburt of New Zealand retained his title, with silver and bronze going to Australians Harrison Turner and Matt Temple.

“I just gave myself a bit too much to do at the end there,” said Scott who still has the 200m freestyle to go. “A world-class field but yeah, it's a bit annoying. It's fourth, isn't it?”

Scotland also finished fourth in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay, which was won by Australia ahead of England and New Zealand. The Aussies claimed seven of the nine golds on offer on a night when Advance Australia Fair seemed to be played on a loop.

At 17, Evi Mackie is the youngest member of the Scottish swimming team and rose to the occasion, qualifying for the final of the women’s 400m individual medley and forging some significant new friendships.

“It feels amazing, honestly,” she said after finishing seventh. “I'm the youngest in the swimming squad and it's lovely to look up to Duncan [Scott], Lucy [Hope] and the others.”

The Lanark teenager said she hit it off immediately with Scott. “Oh yeah, we're best buds, we're on first name terms now!” she laughed.

England’s Amalie Smith is only 16 and took silver, pushing Australian winner Jenna Forrester all the way.

Scotland’s Luke Hornsey impressed with a new personal best on his way to a fifth-place finish in the men’s 800m freestyle. Fellow Scot Sean McCann, qualifying for his second final on his Games debut, finished eighth as Sam Short won gold in an Australian 1-2-3, Benjamin Goedemans and Matthew Galea claiming silver and bronze, respectively.

There was also a clean sweep of Aussie medals in the women's 100m freestyle, through Meg Harris (gold), Mollie O’Callaghan (silver) and Shayna Jack (bronze). Scotland’s Evie Davis was fifth.

There was drama in the final of the men’s 100m breaststroke SB9 event with two disqualifications. Scotland’s Oliver Carter strode into the arena in a kilt to great acclaim but his night took a turn for the worse thereafter. He finished eighth and was DQ’d for an illegal leg kick.

The race was won by an Australian - naturally - with Beau Matthews beating Canada’s Fernando Lu. However, Lu lost his silver medal after also being disqualified.

Aberdeen’s Anna Morgan reached the final of the women’s 50m breaststroke, qualifying seventh fastest.