The younger brother of Madeleine McCann has expressed his enthusiasm as he gets ready to compete for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Sean McCann, aged 21, is set to make his debut at Glasgow 2026 in swimming this coming weekend. Madeleine went missing from her family’s vacation apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, when she was three years old in 2007, and her whereabouts remain unknown. Sean was only two years old at that time.
McCann specializes in distance freestyle swimming and is anticipated to participate in the freestyle relay events at the scaled-down Games. Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007, and has been presumed deceased since then. Her disappearance triggered an extensive global search effort.
Sean has seen a rapid advancement in his sporting career in recent times and is now eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. Speaking on behalf of Loughborough University, where he is currently studying, he expressed his excitement, stating: “I’m thrilled about it, as it’s my first major competition, and I’m eagerly looking forward to representing Scotland and giving my best performance.”
“Being able to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games is a significant achievement, particularly as it’s a home event. With many of my relatives residing in Glasgow, it adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion,” he added, reflecting on his journey from being a spectator at the 2014 Commonwealth Games to now participating as an athlete.
Sean also highlighted the supportive environment at Loughborough University that has aided in his development. He mentioned, “Unlike my previous club where I practiced alone due to the lack of similar athletes, here at Loughborough, I’m surrounded by individuals who challenge and motivate me every day. The high-caliber athletes here always keep me on my toes.”
Discussing his approach to distance swimming, Sean emphasized the importance of mental strength and his strategy of gradually building up pace during a race. He acknowledged feeling like an underdog but expressed confidence in delivering his best performance without feeling pressured. Sean also revealed that Loughborough’s renowned excellence in both academics and athletics influenced his decision to pursue his studies and sports career at the university.
The opening ceremony of the Games will feature a speech by King Charles underscoring the theme of unity. The event, headlined by KT Tunstall and taking place at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro from 8pm to 10pm, will showcase a vibrant show incorporating music, comedy, and Scottish elements. The King will officially inaugurate the Games by reciting the message he placed inside the King’s Baton at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 10 of the previous year. The Baton has traveled to all 74 participating nations and territories before being reunited during the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
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