It was an exciting six days of racing in Glasgow at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and even if Australia dominated to an even larger degree than normal, there was still plenty of home nations interest. Bob and Steve are once again joined by Commonwealth Champion Hannah Miley to pick out the key events of the week, from Angharad Evans dragging herself over the finish line to a breakout performance from Amalie Smith and a fine Scottish showing. We also consider what might have gone wrong for England, who failed to win a swimming gold for the first time ever.

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Episode Artwork: Mickaël Malaper / Malaper Photography

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Glasgow will play host to the 2026 Commonwealth Games with plenty of exciting racing in prospect at the Tollcross pool over six nights of action.

Steve and Bob are joined by Commonwealth Champion Hannah Miley to look forward to the competition, considering the home team's chances and what a lift the Scottish crowd can give them, how the rest of the home nations will fare against the might of Australia and if anyone can stop all the relay medals heading back down under.

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As Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this special episode of the Pullbuoy Podcast asks a simple question: do the Commonwealth Games still matter?

To find the answer, Steve takes a journey that begins forty years ago, at the 1986 Games in Edinburgh and the moment that first sparked his fascination with the meet and the athletes who shaped it.

From there, we explore the Games’ place in swimming as a competition that has launched careers and offers athletes something they rarely get elsewhere: the chance to represent the nations that shaped them. Through interviews with Adam Ramsay-Peaty, Matt Richards, Duncan Scott, Dan Wiffen, James Guy, and more, we hear why the meet still carries emotional weight and competitive significance.

But the story isn’t straightforward. The Games face real challenges with hosting uncertainty, shifting priorities, and questions about their future relevance all circling. There are contrasting perspectives, from concerns about scheduling and funding to arguments that the Games remain a vital stepping stone for emerging talent.

With athlete memories, expert insight, and personal reflection, this episode examines what the Commonwealth Games mean now and what might be lost if they disappear.

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Episode Artwork: GBSwimstars

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