A young star with big ambitions
Filip Nowacki will race in his first major international meet with one clear target: ending Jersey’s 36-year medal wait at the Commonwealth Games. The 18-year-old world junior champion is the fastest swimmer in the 200m breaststroke event at these Games and is confident he can challenge for a podium finish.
Nowacki has been preparing for this moment for years, with strong performances in national competitions, including the British 200m breaststroke title in 2024. He recently lost out to Adam Peaty in the 50m and 100m events, but the results only sharpen his resolve.
A long drought on the medal table
Since 1990, when Colin Mallett won gold in fullbore shooting, Jersey has not returned to the podium in any Commonwealth Games. The island has had close calls — a bronze-medal play-off loss in badminton, and fourth-place finishes in lawn bowls — but no gold, silver, or bronze.
Nowacki has the chance to break this cycle. He believes his training has been consistent and strong. 'I’m in good form and my training has been progressing really well,' he said, adding that experience will be key in how he handles the event.
A return to roots and familiar faces
Though Nowacki is set to race for Team GB at the 2028 Olympics, his return to Jersey for the Commonwealth Games is a homecoming of sorts. He has been training at elite level since moving to Millfield School but is now racing alongside teammates he has known since he was 11 or 12.
The emotional weight of competition was not lost on him. Last year’s Island Games were a reunion for him and fellow swimmers. 'It was special, almost like our first reunion since I moved to Millfield,' Nowacki said. 'The atmosphere has been great.'