Swimming

Swimmers compete in 4 different strokes at the Games; these are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Swimming is a core sport and has been included in the sports programme since the first Empire Games in Canada, 1930. Jazz Carlin is the most decorated Welsh swimmer at a Games, winning 2 medals in 2010, becoming the first female in 80 years to win a Welsh swimming medal at a Games. Also, in 2014, she won swimming’s first women’s gold medal in 40 years.

Since the inaugural event in Hamilton, Canada 1930, Wales have won a total of 33 medals in the pool which includes seven golds. Birmingham will see a team of 20 swimmers across all events with Olympic Champions Matthew Richards and Daniel Jervis taking to the pool. Reigning Commonwealth Champion Alys Thomas returns as she aims to retain her title in the 200m butterfly, which she swam in a Games record time.