James Reid

Poole-born swimmer Alice Tai won gold in the women’s S9 100m backstroke at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing her third consecutive Commonwealth title after victories in 2018 and 2022. Despite a nerve injury in her right arm and doubts about competing, Tai credited her medical team, friends and a healthy life outside swimming for helping her return. She also reflected on her leg amputation in 2022 and called for more para-swimming events to be included so athletes from lower classifications can compete.