As Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this special episode of the Pullbuoy Podcast asks a simple question: do the Commonwealth Games still matter?

To find the answer, Steve takes a journey that begins forty years ago, at the 1986 Games in Edinburgh and the moment that first sparked his fascination with the meet and the athletes who shaped it.

From there, we explore the Games’ place in swimming as a competition that has launched careers and offers athletes something they rarely get elsewhere: the chance to represent the nations that shaped them. Through interviews with Adam Ramsay-Peaty, Matt Richards, Duncan Scott, Dan Wiffen, James Guy, and more, we hear why the meet still carries emotional weight and competitive significance.

But the story isn’t straightforward. The Games face real challenges with hosting uncertainty, shifting priorities, and questions about their future relevance all circling. There are contrasting perspectives, from concerns about scheduling and funding to arguments that the Games remain a vital stepping stone for emerging talent.

With athlete memories, expert insight, and personal reflection, this episode examines what the Commonwealth Games mean now and what might be lost if they disappear.

Episode Artwork: GBSwimstars