Meg Harris upsets Molly O’Callaghan in Glasgow; first international 100m title
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Meg Harris upsets Molly O’Callaghan for women’s 100 metres freestyle gold
Commonwealth Games 2026: Meg Harris upsets Molly O’Callaghan for women’s 100 metres freestyle gold
Harris denied O’Callaghan a second-straight Commonwealth Games title in the event and a third gold in Glasgow as she led an Aussie sweep of the podium.
Meg Harris beat defending champion Mollie O’Callaghan to win the 100 metres freestyle title at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 on Monday (27 July).
The Paris 2024 Olympic 50m freestyle silver medallist led an all-Australian swimming podium sweep, touching in 52.90 to hold off her more decorated teammate, who took silver in 53.25. Shayna Jack completed the one-two-three in 53.38.
O’Callaghan, a five-time Olympic gold medallist, entered as the defending champion in the event. Harris’ victory denied the 22-year-old a third gold at these Commonwealth Games, with O’Callaghan already having claimed the 200 metres freestyle title and been part of the Aussie’s winning 4x100 metres freestyle relay effort.
On Monday, Harris led at the halfway mark with Jack close behind as they moved into the second 50m lap. Harris held off a surging O’Callaghan, who had been just behind her compatriots after the opening fifty, as Jack faded to third.
“The 100 has always been the one that I’ve been working towards in the long run,” Harris said. “It’s just … I guess I need to take a step back and just enjoy it for a while, but I’m happy with the result that came out of it tonight.”
Harris is the reigning world champion over 50 metres, but the Commonwealth crown was her first international title in the 100 – and her first time atop a major individual podium ahead of O’Callaghan and Jack.
“I’ve never been in that position, so hopefully this is just the start of my journey,” Harris said. “These girls are absolutely incredible, so any chance I get to stand on the podium with them is great.”
For O’Callaghan, who wasn’t sure she’d be in Glasgow due to concurrent shoulder and back injuries , the medal represents something bigger.
“I think I’ve really, really learnt so much about myself off the modifications and rehabbing at the same time and racing,” she said afterward. “So I think I’ve done very well considering, and I’m pretty proud of myself.”
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Picture by 2026 Getty Images
23 July - 2 August
Commonwealth Games 2026 | Glasgow | United Kingdom