As announced by Swimming Canada on Thursday (Oct. 30), University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimmers Ben Loewen and Ben Winterborn have been selected as Olympic Program swimmers who will compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland next summer.

A fourth-year backstroke and butterfly specialist, Loewen has previously represented Canada at the FISU Summer World University Games and the Jr. Pan-Pacific Championships.. A finance and economics major from Toronto, Loewen has built an impressive university swimming resume with 11 provincial gold medals and eight U SPORTS national medals, along with both OUA rookie of the year (2023) and OUA men's swimmer of the year (2025).

A second-year backstroke and freestyle swimmer, Winterborn made an immediate impact in his debut season for U of T last year. The political science student from Kingston set three new OUA records during the 2025 provincial championships, touching the wall in record time during the 50m backstroke, and alongside his teammates in the 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. He also added three U SPORTS medals in his first appearance at the national showcase, grabbing individual bronze in the 200m freestyle and relay silver in both the 4x100m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle. He has also previously represented Canada at the Jr. Pan-Pacific Championships.

The pair are two of 12 swimmers (six men, six women) currently announced for the Canadian national team set to compete at Glasgow 2026. They will be joined by Varsity Blues alumna and five-time Olympic medalist Kylie Masse, who is just one of four Olympians also chosen for the 2026 Commonwealth Games roster. Additionally, Varsity Blues assistant head coach Linda Kiefer will also be a member of the coaching staff, continuing to add to her extensive experience leading the Canadian national team into international competitions.

"I'm thrilled to welcome both seasoned athletes and first-time competitors representing Canada at the 2026 Commonwealth Games," said Kelly Laframboise, Director, Team Canada 2026. "Their dedication, passion, and perseverance inspire us all, and I couldn't be prouder to cheer them on as they showcase the very best of Canadian spirit on the world stage."

Glasgow 2026 is scheduled for July 23 - August 2. With 10 sports featuring up to 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth, swimming events are scheduled to take place from July 24-29.Following the announcement of the 12 Olympic Program swimmers, the full Team Canada swimming roster will be announced in March 2026.

2026 Commonwealth Games
Men's Roster
Oliver Dawson
Josh Liendo
Ben Loewen
Antoine Sauve
Ben Winterborn
Lorne Wigginton

Women's Roster
Sophie Angus
Julie Brousseau
Ella Jansen
Madison Kryger
Delia Lloyd
Kylie Masse

Team Staff
John Atkinson - High Performance Director
Mark Perry - Head Coach
Linda Kiefer - Assistant Coach
Graham Olson - Race Analysis
Bette El-Hawary - Team Manager