Max Litchfield is determined to make amends for his previous Commonwealth Games experiences after being named in Team England’s swimming squad for Glasgow 2026.
Having made his senior international debut in Glasgow back in 2014, the 31-year-old from Pontefract is eager to showcase his abilities after injury and personal struggles kept him away from the team. Now, 12 years later, he’s a strong contender for a medal in the men’s 400m individual medley.
Litchfield’s Journey to Glasgow
Litchfield expressed his excitement about returning to the Commonwealth Games. “It feels really good to be back,” he said.
He added: “I’ve had some troubles getting to the past two Commonwealth Games and to be honest, my experience in Glasgow 12 years ago was not the best.”
At Glasgow 2014, a young Litchfield didn’t qualify for the final in the 400m individual medley and finished 12th overall in the men’s 1500m freestyle. A shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the 2018 squad, and undisclosed personal issues prevented him from competing at Birmingham 2022.
Driven to Perform
Litchfield is determined to prove his capabilities on the Commonwealth stage. “I swam really badly at my first Commonwealth Games. It was my first senior team and a combination of things just led to me not swimming very well there and I was really upset with the outcome in the end,” he explained.
He continued: “Then I obviously had an injury and some personal stuff in-between which have annoyingly just stopped me every time a Commonwealth Games has come around.”
“I have never had the opportunity to properly show what I can do on the Commonwealth stage so I’m really excited to get into it this summer.”
Competition and Opportunities
Litchfield’s British record of 4:08.85 in the 400m IM is close to the time posted by Lewis Clareburt of New Zealand to win four years ago in Birmingham. With potential challenges from Scotland’s Duncan Scott and Australia’s Will Petric, Litchfield anticipates a competitive race in Glasgow.
He also hopes to secure a spot in the 4x200m freestyle relay. “The 400m IM is a really strong event Commonwealth Games wise,” he said.
“It’s going to be a really close and tight event but that is what we want. We want it to be competitive and strong and it’s going to be great racing against those boys.”
“If I can get a berth in the men’s 4x200m freestyle as well that would be great.”
“I don’t really get the chance to race that that much, especially in a final.”
Eager to rewrite his Commonwealth Games narrative, Litchfield is focused on contributing to England’s medal count. He is looking forward to diving in and competing this summer.