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The Friendly Games Are Heating Up! Commonwealth Games Day 3 in Glasgow
Quick Summary
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are underway in Glasgow, Scotland, and today is Day 3! Athletes from 74 countries are competing in swimming, gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, and more. The games run until August 2 and are being called the “Friendly Games” because athletes from across the Commonwealth of Nations come together to compete.
What Happened?
The city of Glasgow is buzzing with excitement. The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially opened on July 23, and today is one of the biggest medal days so far.
A total of 14 gold medals were up for grabs on Sunday. Nine of those came from swimming and Para swimming events at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. Three more gold medals were decided in weightlifting, and two more were awarded in artistic gymnastics.
One of the most exciting moments came in the gymnastics hall. Australia’s team had already captured the women’s gymnastics team gold medal earlier in the games. Today, the individual all-around champions were crowned in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
In the pool, Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy — who is the reigning Olympic champion in the 50m Freestyle — competed for his first-ever individual Commonwealth Games gold medal. South African swimming legend Chad le Clos also made history, becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history after adding another medal to his incredible collection.
In a surprise moment at the Tollcross pool, young Scottish swimmer Sam Williamson defeated hometown favourite Adam Ramsay-Peaty in front of a stunned crowd.
The games also feature boxing, lawn bowls, netball, and 3x3 basketball, with many more medal events to come before the closing ceremony on August 2.
Why Does It Matter?
The Commonwealth Games bring together athletes from 74 countries and territories. Many of these nations are places that were once part of the British Empire and still share deep historic ties. The games celebrate both competition and friendship across the globe.
For many athletes, the Commonwealth Games is their best chance to win a major international medal. Some countries that compete here — like Jamaica, New Zealand, or Kenya — have long and proud traditions at these games. For others, it is a first time on the world stage.
Glasgow is also hosting the games for the second time. It hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games too. So Scottish fans know how to put on a great show!
Big Words
- Commonwealth of Nations — a group of 56 countries that were once mostly part of the British Empire; they work together and share many traditions, including the Commonwealth Games
- Para swimming — competitive swimming events specifically for athletes with physical disabilities; it has been part of the Commonwealth Games for decades
- All-around — a gymnastics competition where athletes perform on every apparatus, not just one; the winner is the best all-round gymnast
- Freestyle relay — a team swimming event where four swimmers each swim part of a race, one after another
- Weightlifting — an Olympic sport where athletes lift a heavy barbell over their head; competitors are grouped by body weight to keep things fair
Fun Fact
The Commonwealth Games are sometimes called the “Friendly Games” because athletes from nations that compete fiercely at the Olympics often feel a special bond here — many of them share history, language, and traditions, making the games feel like a big family reunion!
Think About It
The Commonwealth Games include athletes from countries as different as Jamaica, India, Australia, and Kenya. What do you think it feels like to compete in a country that shares some of your own country’s history?
Sources
- Olympics.com — Commonwealth Games 2026, schedule for Sunday 26 July in Glasgow
- The Scotsman — Five things not to miss on Day 3 of the Commonwealth Games
- ESPN — India at Commonwealth Games 2026: Live updates from Glasgow on July 26
- Outlook India — Commonwealth Games Highlights, Day 3