North Carolina State University Athletics
Nel Earns Three Bronze and Two African Records at Commonwealth Games
8/4/2026 9:59:00 AM | Swimming
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - Wolfpack alum Olivia Nel represented Team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 through Aug. 3, on the international stage.
Nel returned home with two bronze medals and helped rewrite the record books, contributing to two new African records. She was a key member of South Africa's bronze medal winning 4x100 medley relay team, which posted a time of 3:58.58, and the 4x100 freestyle relay team, which finished in 3:38.67. Both relay performances also set new national records, marking the fastest times in African history.
Individually, Nel advanced to the finals in both the 50 and 100 meter backstroke events. She earned a bronze medal in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:00.09. In the 50 backstroke, Nel placed fifth after swimming a personal-best and season-best time of 27.95.
Medal Tally:ÂBRONZE: Olivia Nel | 4x100 medley relay | 3:58.58
BRONZE: Olivia Nel | 4x100 freestyle relay | 3:38.67 (54.29)
BRONZE: Olivia Nel | 100 backstroke | 1:00.09 (personal best)
African Record:Â
Olivia Nel | 4x100 medley relay | 3:58.58
Olivia Nel | 4x100 freestyle relay | 3:38.67 (54.29)
Top times:Â
3rd place | Olivia Nel | 100 backstroke | 1:00.09
5th place | Olivia Nel | 50 backstroke | 27.95
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