Cox and Clark secure brace of medals for Loughborough

lauren cox celebrates her medal
Lauren Cox of England celebrates after finishing third and winning the bronze medal in the Women's 50m Backstroke Final. Image provided by PA / Alamy.

Loughborough’s Lauren Cox had an evening to remember at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after winning bronze in the Women’s 50m backstroke.

The alum showed incredible resilience to fight for third spot and a place on the podium, touching the wall in 27.56. In an electric event, Canada's Kylie Masse won gold with Australia's Iona Alexandra Anderson claiming silver.

After qualifying third fastest in the heats, Team England's Cox look well placed to be in the medal fight at another jam-packed Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

The 24-year-old certainly delivered and has now added to the two medals she won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Elsewhere in the pool, there was further bronze medal success for Loughborough and former student and sport scholar Imogen Clark.

England's Clark’s time of 30.86 seconds in the Women’s 50m Breaststroke was enough for a shared bronze with Canada’s Sophie Angus. Champion Lara van Niekerk defended her title for South Africa, with Sienna Toohey of Australia in silver place.

imogen clark with her silver medalImogen Clark of Team England with her bronze medal after coming joint third in the Women's 50m Breaststroke Final. Image provided by PA/Alamy.

Loughborough’s overall medal tally for the Commonwealth Games now stands at 16 – three gold, six silver, seven bronze.

Sports Scholarships play a vital role in helping athletes thrive. With philanthropic support, student-athletes can seize every opportunity at Loughborough, realise their potential, and strive for success both on and off the field. To donate, visit: www.lboro.ac.uk/giving/sport/

For all the latest Loughborough news around the Commonwealth Games, visit the dedicated website here: www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/commonwealth-games-2026/ 

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Press Release Reference: 26/165

Dan Trussell

PR Manager (Sport)

Tel: 01509 228686

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