Sean McCann, the younger brother of Madeline, will make his Commonwealth Games debut for Scotland this summer as he hopes to represent Great Britain at the 2028 Olympics.
The 21-year-old is a talented swimmer and will compete in the freestyle events at the Glasgow Games, which start on July 23.
McCann was two years old when he was at the centre of international media attention as his sister Madeleine went missing during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
The tragic story is still ongoing as Madeleine has been missing ever since her disappearance in May 2007.
Sean’s twin sister Amelie is also a high level swimmer and she too represents Team Scotland.
A University of Loughbrough trained athlete, Sean McCann has already represented Scotland at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in the 400m and 1500m freestyle.
He finished 5th in the 400m freestyle in Tobago three years ago and 7th int he 1500m.
Speaking to The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust after that Youth Commonwealth Games appearance, McCann explained his journey in the pool.
‘I started competitive sport when I was eight, joining Charnwood triathlon club,’ he said. ‘It was here that I discovered my passion for swimming and I joined Loughborough Town swimming club to increase the number of swim sessions I did per week.
‘At the age of 10 I was selected to swim at City of Leicester (Leicestershire’s performance swimming club), and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and national champion in my age group.
‘In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train since the age of 11.
‘I am currently studying chemical engineering, and train nine times a week in the pool, as well as three gym sessions, totalling over 20 hours of training (per) week. I am aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA.
‘The Inspire awards will help me to fund travel and accommodation for the Scottish National Swimming Championships in Edinburgh, where I will gain valuable racing experience prior to the Olympic swimming trials in April 2024.’