Parents support Sean McCann at Commonwealth Games.

Sean McCann, a 21-year-old athlete, made his family proud as he qualified for the Men's 400m Freestyle final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents, Kate and Gerry, were in the stands cheering him on as he finished fourth in a fast heat with a time of three minutes and 52.65 seconds. Sean will also be competing in the 800m and 1500m races at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Sean has been passionate about swimming since he was eight years old and he was ecstatic to have secured a spot in the final. "I'm buzzing!" he exclaimed. He also expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and the opportunity to compete on such a big stage.

"I didn't expect to make it this far, given the tough competition, but I'm delighted to have made it," he said. Kate and Gerry have always been supportive of Sean's swimming career and have been a constant source of encouragement for him. They hope to see him representing Scotland in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

"With a few more years of hard work, I hope to be in the mix for the Olympics," Sean shared. However, Sean's journey to success has not been without its challenges. In 2007, when he was just two years old, his older sister Madeleine went missing while the family was on vacation in Portugal.

The incident received worldwide attention and her parents have been tirelessly searching for her ever since. Despite the media attention and pressure, Sean has remained focused on his swimming and has not let it affect his performance. "I was definitely nervous, but I'm glad I could produce a decent swim," he said.

Sean's father was born in Glasgow, making him eligible to compete for Scotland. He feels a special connection to the country and is excited to have his family there to support him. "I have a lot of family in Glasgow, so this makes it even more special," he shared.

"I remember watching the Commonwealth Games as a kid in 2014, and now, 12 years later, I am here competing. It's a full-circle moment for me." Kate and Gerry are regulars at Sean's swimming competitions, often seen cheering him on from the sidelines. Sean's hard work and dedication have paid off, as he has already won bronze in the 800m freestyle at the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships and finished fifth in the 400m freestyle event at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Despite his success, Sean remains humble and focused on his goals. His teammate, Charlie Hutchison, described him as a "workhorse" and praised his determination and work ethic. "He is always pushing himself, even during tough training sessions," Charlie said.

"He has worked hard to get to where he is now and never lets any setbacks demoralize him." Sean's journey to the Commonwealth Games has been a long one, with plenty of hard work and dedication. However, he is grateful for the opportunity to compete on such a big stage and is determined to make the most of it. His family's unwavering support and his passion for swimming continue to drive him towards his ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics.