Maddie McCann’s brother to compete at Commonwealth Games
A family member at the centre of a tragic mystery that has gripped the world for nearly two decades will be competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sean McCann, the brother of Madeleine McCann, will take to the pool for Scotland when swimming action gets underway on Friday night (AEST).
Maddie McCann’s younger brother Sean will compete for Scotland at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Getty Images
Sean was just two when his older sister went missing from a hotel in Portugal in 2007. She has never been found.
Now 21, McCann has competed at a high-level both in pool and open-water competition.
At the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games, he finished fifth in the 400m freestyle competing for Scotland. He has also represented Great Britain at the European junior open-water championships.
He is eligible to compete for Scotland through his father Gerry.
Sean is hoping a strong performance in Glasgow will put him in contention for a spot in the Great Britain team for Los Angeles 2028.
His twin-sister Amelia is also a high-level swimmer and triathlete, although is yet to break into the national squad in either.
Sean has never spoken publicly about his sister’s disappearance. He last appeared publicly with his parents at a vigil in May to mark the 19th anniversary of Maddie’s disappearance.
His parents Kate and Gerry are expected to watch him compete in longer-distance freestyle events when competition gets underway at the Tollcross International Centre.
When are the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
The 10-day competition runs from July 23 through to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. For the first time ever, able-bodied and para-athletes will compete alongside each other.
Aussie swimming star Mollie O’Callaghan. Swimming is one of just 10 sports in Glasgow. Getty
What sports are at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Unlike previous years, the 2026 Commonwealth Games is heavily condensed and features just 10 sports: 3x3 basketball, artistic gymnastics, athletics, lawn bowls, boxing, judo, netball, swimming, track cycling, and weightlifting.
How many athletes are on the Australian Commonwealth Games team?
256 Aussie athletes will be in action across the 10 sports in Glasgow. They will be supported by 92 sport team officials, 89 headquarters staff and 47 support officials.
Why did Australia pull out of hosting the Commonwealth Games?
Geelong and Regional Victoria had been selected to host this edition of the games, before then-Victorian premier Daniel Andrews pulled the pin in 2023.
Andrews claimed the cost of hosting the event had blown out from its initial estimate of $2.6 billion to as much as $7 billion, which Andrews said was “well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event”.
The Australian Diamonds will be among the leading contenders to win gold in the netball. Getty
Who is performing at the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies?
Unsurprisingly, it’s an all-British line-up of performers at the Opening Ceremony. They include Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt and Valtos.
Scottish rock legends Simple Minds will headline the closing ceremony on August 2.
When are the next Commonwealth Games?
The 2030 edition will be held in Ahmedabad, India. It will be the third time the games have been held in Asia, and the second time in India.
The 2030 edition will be the centenary event.
