Commonwealth Games Australia is continuing to share the stories behind Australia’s Glasgow 2026 preparations, with the latest episodes of the Green2Gold2Great documentary series, The Pursuit of Unstoppable, turning the spotlight to swimming and athletics.

Episodes four and five shine the spotlight on Australia’s Swimming and Athletics teams respectively, capturing the preparation, sacrifice and ambition driving athletes as they pursue Commonwealth Games success.

Australian Paralympic swimming champion and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rowan Crothers OAM features in Episode Four, available today on 7Plus and YouTube, reflecting on the impact the Commonwealth Games had on both his career and the growth of Para sport.

“My journey as a Paralympic athlete has had many highs and lows. Getting the opportunity to be a young person with a disability and to be successful on the world stage is life changing,” Crothers said.

“My very first international win as an individual athlete was at the Commonwealth Games, way back in Glasgow 2014.”

Crothers said the Commonwealth Games holds a unique place in world sport because of its fully integrated program.

“Going to a Commonwealth Games is such an incredible experience as an athlete with disability, because it’s the only international multi-sport event that is inclusive,” Crothers said.

“Getting that kind of exposure at the international level alongside able-bodied athletes and being seen not as a novelty but really being seen as elite events and elite sport paved the way for the continuation of growth of so much Paralympic sport.”

The episode also follows 14-year-old Para Swimmer Mia Hogan, who is preparing to make her Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. Classified as S13 for athletes with vision impairment, Hogan is set to experience her first major international multi-sport event, laying the foundations for what she hopes will be a long career in the green and gold.

“I’ve been training consistently and trying hard, and you kind of just get to each meet not expecting too much and seeing what you can get out of it,” Hogan said.

Looking ahead to Glasgow, Hogan is embracing the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s most accomplished swimmers.

“My goals for Glasgow would definitely be learning heaps over there from older athletes, such talented people and then hopefully making a final.”

Episode Five, available from Monday 20 July, turns its attention to Athletics, going behind the scenes of Australia’s relay program as athletes work together in pursuit of Commonwealth Games success. The episode explores the unique challenge of combining individual talent into a cohesive team, showcasing the trust, preparation and camaraderie required to compete on the international stage.

Australian sprinter Aidan Murphy said the growth of the relay program has transformed the team’s expectations heading into Glasgow.

“In two years, we’ve gone from barely making World Relays to potentially medalling at the Commonwealth Games. We expect to cross the line in a very good position,” Murphy said.

While athletics is often viewed as an individual sport, Murphy believes the relay environment brings out the best in every athlete.

“Being an individual sport, having the relay program is super important. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the motions, especially if you’re having either a good or bad season. It’s sort of all about you. But when you bring the relay into it, you can help push each other to the limit, especially when you’re representing your country.”

Australian Athletics relay coach David Reid said the program’s success has been built on significant investment and a strong team culture.

“We’ve had massive investment from Commonwealth Games Australia, support from Australian Athletics and the Board,” Reid said.

“Because we need to be able to travel to compete, we need to be able to hold camps and create a welcoming environment with good food and good facilities. Building camaraderie and positive experiences at those camps has been really key.”

The Green2Gold2Great Investment Program was established to strengthen high-performance pathways, enhance athlete development and deliver sustained podium success.

CGA has committed up to $11.4 million this quadrennium, and more than $67 million since 1996, providing strategic support that accelerates performance and helps Australian athletes succeed on the Commonwealth stage.

This documentary series celebrates the athletes who dream big, the sports that elevate each other, and the community that stands behind them.

It also forms part of the broader support proudly enabled by AAMI, Official Partner of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, whose contribution helps strengthen Australia’s high-performance landscape.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.