Glasgow 2026 Inspires More People to Get Back in the Pool

After an exciting summer of sport at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, swimming has emerged as the activity more British adults would like to try than any other sport featured at the Games.

New research commissioned by leisure operator Better found that 58% of UK adults would like to take up at least one Commonwealth sport. Swimming topped the list, chosen by 28% of respondents, ahead of athletics at 19% and cycling at 18%.

It is encouraging to see swimming capturing the public’s imagination, but the lasting impact will come from turning that inspiration into regular activity.

Swimming makes a splash at Glasgow 2026

Swimming and para swimming were among the most popular events at the Games, with 60% of those following Glasgow 2026 planning to watch them. Only athletics and para athletics attracted a slightly higher level of interest.

The swimming programme delivered plenty of memorable performances at Glasgow’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre. However, you do not need to be chasing medals or breaking records to enjoy the benefits of getting into the water.

Swimming can be enjoyed recreationally, as part of a structured lesson or simply as an opportunity to spend active time together as a family. It is a skill that can stay with you throughout your life, making it very different from many short-lived fitness trends.

Young adults are particularly keen to start swimming

Interest in swimming was especially strong among younger adults. Almost half of those aged 18 to 24 said they would like to try it, along with 44% of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Only 7% of 18 to 24-year-olds ruled out trying every sport included in the Commonwealth Games programme. Across all adults surveyed, that figure rose to 34%.

This suggests that major sporting events can do more than entertain us. Seeing talented athletes competing on home soil can encourage people to reconsider their own relationship with movement, exercise and sport.

The challenge is making sure people feel able to take that first step.

What helps people get started?

According to the research, beginner-friendly classes were the most popular form of support, selected by 31% of respondents. Affordable local facilities, free taster sessions and having a friend to go with were each chosen by 27%.

Support appears to be particularly important for younger adults. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, 46% said coaching would help them get started, while 43% said having a friend, relative or fitness buddy alongside them would make a difference.

These findings highlight something we see regularly at Grange Farm Swim School: confidence grows when people feel comfortable, supported and able to progress at their own pace.

A busy public swimming pool can feel daunting, particularly for someone who is nervous around water, has not swum for a long time or requires additional support. A welcoming environment can make the experience feel much more manageable.

Swimming is about much more than exercise

Although swimming is an excellent way to be active, its benefits go beyond physical fitness.

Learning to swim can develop confidence, independence and water awareness. For children, lessons help to establish important skills from an early age, while giving them the opportunity to enjoy being in the water safely.

Swimming can also provide valuable social and emotional benefits. Time in the pool can be calming, enjoyable and freeing, particularly for people who find other forms of exercise difficult or uncomfortable.

At Grange Farm Swim School, we believe swimming should feel accessible rather than intimidating. Whether someone is learning a new skill, building their confidence or simply enjoying time in the water, every positive experience counts.

Turning sporting inspiration into action

The Better research found that 35% of people who planned to follow the Commonwealth Games believed the event would make them more likely to exercise. A further 30% expected it to inspire them to try a new sport.

Now that the Games have finished, the opportunity is to build on that enthusiasm.

You do not have to make a dramatic lifestyle change or set yourself an elite sporting goal. Getting started could be as simple as booking a swimming lesson for your child, arranging a private pool session or returning to the water after some time away.

Swimming is one of the few activities that can be adapted for different ages, abilities and levels of confidence. Progress can happen gradually, with each new skill helping the swimmer feel safer and more comfortable in the water.

The heroes behind the sports Britain wants to try

Scottish sporting icon Sir Chris Hoy tops the list of Commonwealth heroes (12%), just ahead of Mo Farah (11%) and Jessica Ennis-Hill (11%). Between them they cover cycling and athletics, two of the three sports Brits most want to try. In Scotland, Hoy’s lead stretches to a quarter (25%), while Mo Farah leads the field among 18 to 24-year-olds (19%).

In swimming, the story comes full circle. Adam Ramsay-Peaty announced himself at Glasgow 2014, winning 100m breaststroke gold aged just 19 at his first senior international meet. Twelve years and four Commonwealth titles later, he returns to the same city for his fourth Games, chasing a fifth gold in the sport Britain is now keenest to take up.

Start your swimming journey at Grange Farm

Based near Wisbech and within reach of March, King’s Lynn and Downham Market, Grange Farm Swim School offers a friendly setting where swimmers can build skills and confidence.

If Glasgow 2026 has inspired you or your family to spend more time in the water, now could be the perfect time to take the next step.

Explore our swimming lessons and pool sessions, or contact our team if you are unsure which option would be most suitable. We will be happy to help you find the right place to start.

Methodology

Research commissioned by GLL. Survey of 2,000 UK adults between 7 and 10 June 2026. The sample is nationally representative by age, gender and region, and weighted to ONS mid-year population estimates. Figures on how people plan to follow the Games, the events they plan to watch and the expected personal impact of the Games are based on the 1,030 respondents who said they are likely or definitely going to watch or listen to the Games. Sub-group figures are quoted only where the sample base meets OnePoll’s minimum reporting threshold.

Sources

Met Office, provisional climate statistics for June 2026: metoffice.gov.uk (England’s warmest June on record)

About Better

Better is the UK’s largest operator of leisure centres and public libraries, delivering sport, fitness, swimming and cultural services to communities across the country. Better is operated by GLL, a social enterprise and charitable organisation.

Comment from Better

“It’s fantastic to see so many people inspired to try something new this summer. Inspiration is important, but participation is what really matters. Our leisure centres provide an easy and affordable way for people to get active, with welcoming facilities, beginner-friendly opportunities and a strong network of local clubs. Whether someone is taking their first lesson, joining a club or pursuing a new sporting goal, we want Glasgow 2026 to be the catalyst that turns interest into action and helps more people make sport and physical activity part of everyday life.”

- Andrew Clark, Better’s Head of Sports and Aquatics