Ella Jansen enters the Commonwealth Games as a top medal contender in the women’s 400-metre freestyle, according to Swimming Canada. The 20-year-old Canadian swimmer steps into the marquee event following victories at national trials and her breakout 2022 season, where Swimming Canada named her Breakout Swimmer of the Year after she secured three titles at nationals.
Commonwealth Games Swimming Schedule and Opening Heats
Swimming serves as the marquee sport for the opening days of the Commonwealth Games, with morning heats starting at 5:30 a.m. ET daily, according to CBC Sports. Evening finals sessions begin at 2 p.m. ET. The marquee event kicks off with the women’s 400-metre freestyle final, marking the first gold medal race of the competition.
Ella Jansen Contends for Gold in the 400-Metre Freestyle
Canada’s reigning world champion Summer McIntosh is skipping the Commonwealth Games, and Australian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus is now retired, according to CBC Sports. These absences open a path for Ella Jansen, who won the 400m freestyle at national trials. Australia’s Lani Pallister enters as the favorite, targeting a sweep of the long-distance events spanning the 400m, 800m, and 1,500m races.
Did you know? Ella Jansen and host Brittany MacLean Campbell are both alumni of the Etobicoke Swim club, discussing their journeys from local club swimming to the international stage ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Canadian Para Swimmers and Solo Competitors to Watch
Beyond Jansen, several other Canadian competitors take to the pool in Friday’s solo races, according to CBC Sports. Teenager Madison Kryger races in the women’s 200-metre backstroke. In Para events, Mary Jibb and Katie Cosgriffe compete in the women’s 200-metre individual medley SM10 category. Jibb captured gold in the 200 IM at the previous year’s world championships, while Cosgriffe earned a Paralympic bronze in the 100-metre butterfly in 2024 alongside world championship medals in both the butterfly and 100-metre backstroke.
Freestyle Relays Close Out Opening Night Finals
Friday’s evening finals conclude with the men’s and women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relays, according to CBC Sports. Canada claimed bronze in both relay events at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, the women’s roster races without Summer McIntosh and the retired Maggie Mac Neil. Meanwhile, the men’s team features Olympic silver medallist Josh Liendo, who targets multiple individual medals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Commonwealth Games swimming events start?
Morning heats begin at 5:30 a.m. ET, and evening finals sessions start at 2 p.m. ET each day, according to CBC Sports.
Why is Summer McIntosh not competing at the Commonwealth Games?
CBC Sports reports that reigning world champion Summer McIntosh is skipping the Commonwealth Games.
Who is favored in the women’s 400-metre freestyle?
Australia’s Lani Pallister is the favorite to win the event, with Canadian Ella Jansen also contending for the podium, according to CBC Sports.
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