Sean McCann, the younger brother of Madeleine McCann, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut for Scotland this summer. The 21-year-old swimmer will compete in freestyle events at the Glasgow Games, which begin on July 23.
Background and family tragedy
McCann was two years old when his sister Madeleine went missing during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. The case remains unsolved, drawing international attention. His twin sister, Amelie, is also a high-level swimmer representing Scotland.
Swimming career and achievements
A University of Loughborough-trained athlete, McCann previously represented Scotland at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in the 400m and 1500m freestyle, finishing fifth in the 400m freestyle in Tobago and seventh in the 1500m. He aims to represent Great Britain at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Speaking to The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust after the Youth Commonwealth Games, McCann said: 'I started competitive sport when I was eight, joining Charnwood triathlon club. It was here that I discovered my passion for swimming and I joined Loughborough Town swimming club to increase the number of swim sessions I did per week.'
Training regimen and dedication
He added: 'At the age of 10 I was selected to swim at City of Leicester. I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and national champion in my age group. In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train since the age of 11.'
McCann is currently studying chemical engineering and trains nine times a week in the pool, plus three gym sessions, totaling over 20 hours of training per week. He said: 'I am aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA. The Inspire awards will help me to fund travel and accommodation for the Scottish National Swimming Championships in Edinburgh, where I will gain valuable racing experience prior to the Olympic swimming trials in April 2024.'
Looking ahead
With the Glasgow Games starting July 23, McCann's debut marks a significant step in his swimming career, as he balances elite sport with academic studies.
