Sean McCann, the younger brother of Madeleine McCann, has spoken about his journey to the Commonwealth Games, where he will represent Scotland in swimming this week in Glasgow.
Family Background and Debut
Sean, 21, is the twin brother of Amelie and the younger sibling of Madeleine, who disappeared at age three during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. Sean and Amelie were left sleeping in the same room that night. Madeleine's case remains one of the most famous missing person cases globally.
Sean will make his senior international debut when swimming events begin on Friday, July 24, in Glasgow.
Excitement and Eligibility
“I'm very excited, it's my first senior games so I'm just looking forward to representing Scotland and doing my absolute best,” he told Loughborough Sport. Sean, who studies Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University, was born in Leicester but qualifies for Scotland through his father, Gerry, leading him to choose Scotland over England.
“It's the pinnacle really of representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, especially at a home Games. I've got lots of family up in Glasgow so that makes it even more special. I was there in 2014, watching as a kid, so to make it now, 12 years later, is really a full circle moment,” he said.
Events and Future Goals
Sean is expected to compete in the 400m, 800m, and 1,500m freestyle. It is not known if his parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, will attend. After the Games, Sean aims to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
“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. At the age of 10 I was selected to swim at City of Leicester, and 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. I am aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA,” he said.
