Seven commentator Alister Nicholson believes 2026 can be one of Australia’s most successful Commonwealth Games, even with the condensed program in Glasgow.

Australia claimed 179 medals at the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, including 67 gold, and with another talent-laden squad jetting to the UK, expectations of domination are sky-high.

Nicholson is likely to get a front-row view for most of them as he leads Seven’s coverage from the pool alongside experts and Olympic gold medallists Giaan Rooney, Annabelle Williams and Ariarne Titmus.

And the veteran broadcaster is already preparing for a bonanza of gold 50 days out from the opening ceremony.

Nearly half of the gold medals won at in 2022 (25) were in the pool.

It’s 50 days until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and you can catch every unmissable moment from Friday, 24 July live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport!

“I think we will be calling plenty of medals at these Games and there are a host of Australian swimmers I’m looking forward to watching in the flesh,” he told The West Australian.

“Molly O’Callaghan is just an unbelievable talent and has already done so much in her career.

“With the addition of some extra distance events as well, I can’t wait to see what Lani Pallister can do. She’s been really bursting onto the world stage of late.

“So for her to compete in those longer-distance freestyle events is going to be exciting.

“And then Kaylee McKeon. It’s a swansong in some ways for her, and she’s regarded really as probably the greatest backstroker of all time. So to watch her compete at the Commonwealth Games for the final time will be really exciting.”

Australia’s swim team, the Dolphins, is always the dominant force in the Commonwealth and will be shooting for medals across the board, especially with the country’s elite para-athletes showcasing their talent alongside able-bodied events.

“This is the beauty of the Commonwealth Games, you’ve got the Para and able-bodied athletes all part of one Dolphins team,” Nicholson said.

“Lakeisha Patterson has led the way for a long time, and I can’t wait to see Lucky competing as well.”

While the majority of Nicholson’s focus will be on the water, he couldn’t help but get excited by the potential in athletics.

Australia appears to be entering a golden generation of runners across all distances, with the likes of Jess Hull, Peter Bol, Lachie Kennedy and Rohan Browning.

“I honestly can’t remember a time when there was more excitement around Australian athletics,” Nicholson said.

“We have had some very good field competitors over recent times, but to see some of the sprinters we’ve got coming through and those distance runners, it’s so exciting for Australia going forward and heading into the LA Olympics.

“I see the Commonwealth Games often as an event that untaps and showcases for the first time some young athletes who are we’re going to watch on a long journey.

“It’s a great breeding ground for Australian athletes to really establish themselves on the world stage.”

Nicholson added West Australian fans should be particularly excited, highlighting Bol and Olympic gold medal-winning pole vaulter Nina Kennedy for their big achievements.

“As much as my focus is on the swimming, there are a couple of the athletes you look at where they’re competing, and you just have to watch,” he said.

“They’re so exciting, and they’ve already achieved plenty on the international stage.

“Pete Bol’s still so young, but it feels like we’ve come to know him so well, and we’ve ridden the ups and downs along the way as well. We want to see him excel, and I think he will.

“These Commonwealth Games are certainly an event where I think he’s going to shine.

“And Nina is an out-and-out star who’s already achieved so much. So any opportunity we get to see these athletes in primetime, because it’s not common, is great.”