Leeds swimming protégé Leah Schlosshan believes her first Commonwealth Games final can act as a springboard to the Olympic Games.
The 21-year-old finished sixth in the women’s 200m freestyle in a race stacked with elite talent and won by Australia’s five-time Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan.
Schlosshan is an up-and-coming name in the pool and has her eyes firmly set on the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
The former European junior champion competed at the World Championships in Singapore last year but this marked her first senior international individual final.
She finished as the second of three English athletes, beating Olympic relay champion Freya Anderson, and behind Freya Colbert.
“I learned a lot from my first World Championships. That was a big stage and I found the crowd quite daunting, but I really enjoyed it,” she said.
“This time I actually embraced it. I even waved to the crowd, which is something I've never done before. Normally I walk out with my head down because I'm not that confident, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere this time.
“It bodes really well for me going forwards for the next couple of years because I know I can perform at this level.”
Schlosshan was supported by her parents, who have had to stock up on both England and Scotland kit this week.
Leah’s sister Ciara is representing Scotland after moving north of the border to study politics, philosophy, and economics at Edinburgh University four years ago.
Ciara was poolside, alongside Leah’s boyfriend Evan Jones, who also swims for Scotland.
She touched the wall in 1:58.11, almost three-and-a-half seconds off O’Callaghan.
Schlosshan’s main event is the 200m individual medley, while she is hoping to win a medal with the relay team in the 4x200m freestyle on Monday.
“It was a really special experience. I'd like to think I handled my nerves quite well. It's always good to have a few nerves and I think I managed them,” she added.
“It was also great having both Freyas with me in the final.
“They're my teammates and I race against them regularly at championships, so it was really nice to have them alongside me.
“As for the swim itself, it was a little bit off my best. I'd have liked a bit more, but sometimes you have to look at the field you're racing against.
“To be competing with the world record holder and the Australians was an amazing experience.”
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