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
McCann was two years old when his sister Madeleine vanished during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. The case remains unsolved. His twin sister Amelie is also a high-level swimmer and represents Team Scotland.
Athletic Journey
A University of Loughborough-trained athlete, McCann previously represented Scotland at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in the 400m and 1500m freestyle. He finished fifth in the 400m freestyle in Tobago three years ago and seventh in the 1500m.
Speaking to The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust after that event, 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.'
He added: 'At the age of 10 I was selected to swim at City of Leicester (Leicestershire’s performance swimming club), and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and national champion in my age group.'
Training and Ambitions
McCann described his rigorous training regimen: '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 currently studying chemical engineering, and train nine times a week in the pool, as well as three gym sessions, totalling over 20 hours of training per week.'
His long-term goals include competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He noted: '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.'
