Record-Breaking Start: Jackson Rewrites History
Ghanaian swimmer Abeku Jackson has made a strong start to the country’s 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign by setting a new national record in the men’s 50-metre backstroke at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 26-year-old clocked a personal best of 26.48 seconds in the preliminary heats, eclipsing the previous Ghana record of 26.84 seconds, which was set by Jason Arthur at the 2019 FINA World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. The performance also surpassed Jackson’s previous personal best of 26.97 seconds, recorded during the 2023 African Games in Accra. Jackson finished seventh in his heat but secured a place as a reserve qualifier for the semi-finals. Should any of the automatic qualifiers withdraw, the Ghanaian could earn a place in the evening session.
The record-breaking performance provides an encouraging start to Team Ghana’s swimming campaign, with Jackson still scheduled to compete in the mixed freestyle relay on Saturday, the men’s 50m butterfly, and the mixed medley relay on Tuesday, July 28.
Fellow Ghanaian swimmer Nubia Adjei also began her competition on Friday, finishing eighth in the women’s 50m butterfly with a time of 30.02 seconds, a result that ended her hopes of progressing to the next round. Despite the setback, Adjei remains in contention in three more events. She will feature in the mixed freestyle relay on Saturday, the women’s 50m backstroke on July 27, and the mixed medley relay on July 28.
Team Ghana’s swimming squad also includes Ivan Snowden and Unilez Takyi, both of whom are set to begin their campaigns on Saturday. Snowden, 20, will compete in the men’s 50m freestyle and the mixed freestyle relay before returning to action in the 50m breaststroke on Sunday and the mixed relay on July 28.
Takyi, 21, is entered in the mixed freestyle relay on Saturday, the men’s 100m freestyle on Sunday, and will contest the men’s 50m freestyle and the mixed medley relay on July 28. In para swimming, Promise “Wonder Atsu” Aheto will represent Ghana in the men’s 100m breaststroke, adding to the country’s hopes of securing a memorable performance in the pool.
Jackson’s national record has provided an early highlight for Team Ghana and a confidence boost as the country’s swimmers continue their quest for success at the Games.
Author: Joyce Owusu
