Banned swimmer’s daughters to realise Commonwealth Games dream

Annette Cowley Nel’s dreams of winning a swimming gold at the 1986 Commonwealth Games were dashed by a political storm.

On the eve of her race at the competition in Edinburgh, she was banned from competing and escorted from the athletes’ village by police.

But now, 40 years later, things will come an emotional full circle when she watches her daughters compete at the Games.

Twins Georgia and Olivia Nel have both been named in South Africa’s swimming team for the Games, which get under way in Glasgow next month.

“It is incredibly special that they have both made the Commonwealth Games,” said Cowley Nel.

“It will be quite an emotional moment.”