CWG: England’s Alice Tai Breaks Commonwealth Games Record, Wins Third Straight 100m Backstroke S9 Gold

England’s Alice Tai continued her remarkable dominance in para-swimming by winning a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S9 at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old successfully defended the title she won in Birmingham 2022, producing another outstanding performance to finish comfortably ahead of her rivals and set a new Commonwealth Games record.

Tai touched the wall in 1:11.93, breaking her own Games record of 1:13.64, which she established at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The English star finished 2.13 seconds ahead of Australia’s Gemma Sellic, who claimed the silver medal, while Victoria Belando Nicholson secured the bronze medal, finishing more than three seconds behind Tai.

The victory marks another milestone in Tai’s illustrious career, making her the first swimmer to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S9 event.

She first captured the title at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games before defending it in Birmingham in 2022 and completing the historic hat-trick in Glasgow.

Tai’s latest success comes after overcoming one of the biggest challenges of her career.

In 2022, she underwent the amputation of her right leg below the knee following complications related to her clubfoot condition.

Despite the life-changing surgery, the British para-swimmer returned to elite competition, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination to remain among the world’s best.

Her inspiring comeback has earned widespread admiration within the sporting community and beyond, with many describing her as a symbol of perseverance and courage.

Tai is regarded as one of Great Britain’s most accomplished para-swimmers, having won multiple Paralympic, World Championship and European Championship medals throughout her career.

Her latest record-breaking performance in Glasgow further cements her reputation as one of the finest athletes in Commonwealth Games history.

Speaking after the race, Tai celebrated another memorable achievement in her career, while supporters applauded her determination to overcome adversity and continue competing at the highest level.

Her record-breaking swim adds another chapter to an extraordinary career that continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.