Harrogate's Gabe Shepherd praised for his contribution as Team England win another silver medal at Commonwealth Games

The 18-year-old combined with Tom Dean, James Guy and Max Litchfield to finish second behind Australia in a pulsating 4x200m freestyle relay final in Glasgow.

After a brilliant swim from Guy, England and their green and gold rivals set off for the final leg with little to separate, them but it was the Antipodeans who clung on for glory in Games record time.

The result saw Shepherd add to the 4x100m freestyle relay silver that was captured won on the opening night of the 2026 Games.

And Dean saluted his young team-mate for his lung-busting performance.

“We spoke tactics a lot this afternoon,” he said.

“We've got a young guy, Gabe, who's 18, stepping up.

“For Gabe to walk out and put a real solid split there. I'll tell you what, that man's got cojones on him because that was a real, real great swim for me.

“Representing England is special. And, for a small nation, we punched well above our weight and we gave the Aussies a real run for their money.”

A lifelong Harrogate resident, Shepherd’s journey began at Harrogate District Swimming Club, though he now trains with City of Leeds Swimming Club.

Having joined Leeds City Council's Swim Training Scheme in 2022, his achievements in the pool have seen him progress to become a member of the Aquatics GB World Class Programme.

Having represented both England and Team GB as a teenager, Shepherd has enjoyed all sorts of success in the pool over the years.

But, it was a stellar showing at the Acquatics GB Championships earlier this year that earned him his trip to the Commonwealth Games – and a place in Great Britain’s squad for the European Aquatics Championships in Paris later in 2026.

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33million is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK.