Kaylee McKeown's Absence Leaves Commonwealth Games Rivals in a Tight Spot

Kaylee McKeown's withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games due to glandular fever has left her rivals in a tight spot as they vie for top honors in the 50 backstroke event. The Australian swimming sensation, who won four golds among six medals in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, was set to lead the pack in the 50 backstroke event in Glasgow.

What happened?

Lauren Cox, a Team England swimmer, was one of the athletes who was looking forward to racing against McKeown. Cox made her senior debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she led off the Team England women's and mixed medley relays, which both won bronze. She also finished fourth in the 50 backstroke, just 0.03 seconds behind McKeown in third place.

Why it matters for Kaylee McKeown

McKeown's absence has left a void in the 50 backstroke event, and Cox is now looking forward to measuring herself against the Australian swimmer. Cox has been training hard and has been motivated by McKeown's presence in the event. "I really like Kaylee as a person, and I really look up to her," Cox said. "She's definitely one of my swimming role models."

What comes next?

The Commonwealth Games are set to take place in Glasgow, and Cox is one of the top contenders in the 50 backstroke event. She has been training hard and is looking forward to racing against the best swimmers in the world. Cox's coach, Ryan Livingstone, has been working with her to fine-tune her technique, and she is confident that she can deliver a strong performance in the event.

Cox has navigated some highs and lows in the four years since Birmingham, including 50 back bronze at the 2023 worlds and desolation at missing out on the Great Britain team for the Paris Olympics. However, she has been reinvigorated by the addition of the 50m events to the Olympic program at Los Angeles 2028 and her involvement with AP Race and its co-founder Adam Peaty.

Cox set a British 50 record of 27.15 at the AP Race London International in May 2025 and went on to finish fifth, 0.06 off the podium at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, while leading off the women's medley relay that finished eighth. She enjoyed a fine conclusion to the year when she claimed the 100 back crown at the European Short-Course Championships in Lublin and set a 26.03 British 50 back record en-route to fourth.

Now, Cox heads into the Games in Glasgow as fourth fastest in the Commonwealth in the 50 back and fifth in the 100 in 27.39 and 59.45 respectively. However, McKeown's withdrawal has left a void in the event, and Cox is one of the top contenders to fill the gap.

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