The final day of the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships was a thrilling showcase of swimming talent, with the last spots on the European and Commonwealth Games teams up for grabs. This event has been a platform for some incredible performances, and today was no exception.
One of the highlights was Angharad Evans' dominant performance in the women's 100-meter breaststroke. She not only broke her own British record but also became the tenth-fastest woman in history with a time of 1:04.96. This achievement sets her up as a strong favorite for the upcoming European and Commonwealth Games. Evans' ability to maintain a blistering pace throughout the race was a sight to behold, and her split of 34.08 on the second half was simply remarkable.
In the men's 50-meter butterfly, Josh Gammon and Jacob Peters put on an exciting battle, with Gammon edging out Peters by a mere hundredth of a second. Both swimmers qualified for the European Championships, and Gammon's performance was particularly impressive, as he lowered his personal best by a significant margin. Kieran Grant, who has been on a roll this week, claimed bronze and met the English Commonwealth standard, showcasing his potential for future selection.
The men's 200-meter backstroke saw a tight contest between reigning British champion Ollie Morgan and British record holder Luke Greenbank. While Greenbank was the fastest in the morning heats, Morgan's experience shone through, and he emerged victorious. The battle between these two swimmers is a testament to the depth of talent in British swimming.
As the evening progressed, the anticipation for the men's 200-meter freestyle, the final event of the championships, grew. Great Britain's dominance in this event over the past decade has been well-documented, and the race did not disappoint. James Guy, Matt Richards, and Duncan Scott, all top contenders, were in the mix, but it was the wildcard, Gabriel Shepherd, who dropped two seconds and qualified for the European Championships. Jack McMillan, with his impressive times from last summer and a European short course silver, was also a force to be reckoned with.
The women's 800-meter freestyle and 50-meter freestyle events were equally captivating, with Amelie Blocksidge and Eva Okaro leading the way. Blocksidge, the defending champion in the 800, was aiming for a double after her 1500 win earlier in the week.
In the para swimming events, Brock Whiston dominated the women's MC 100-meter breaststroke, setting a new world record and claiming gold with 978 para points. Grace Harvey and Iona Winnifreth also put up impressive performances, showcasing the depth of talent in para swimming.
Overall, the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships have been a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of British swimmers. The final day, with its thrilling races and record-breaking performances, has left us with a deeper appreciation for the sport and a sense of excitement for the upcoming international competitions. Personally, I can't wait to see how these athletes perform on the world stage, and I'm sure they will make their country proud.
