Abeku Jackson sets second national record at Commonwealth Games despite missing 50m butterfly final

Ghanaian swimmer Abeku Jackson continued his outstanding showing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by setting a new national record in the men's 50m butterfly, although he narrowly missed out on a place in the final.

The 26-year-old clocked an impressive 24.03 seconds in the event to establish a new Ghanaian record, surpassing the previous national mark. However, the time was not enough to secure qualification for the medal race.

Jackson's latest feat marks his second national record at the Games, underlining his impressive form in Glasgow.

Earlier in the competition, he rewrote Ghana's record in the men's 50m backstroke after posting a time of 26.48 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 26.84 seconds. He finished seventh in his heat, narrowly missing qualification for the semi-finals.

Despite falling short of a place in the 50m butterfly final, Jackson's performances have further reinforced his reputation as Ghana's premier swimmer.

A two-time Olympian, Jackson represented Ghana at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and has enjoyed success on the continental stage, winning multiple medals at the African Championships and African Games.

He also reached the semi-finals of both the men's 50m and 100m butterfly events at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast.

Jackson leaves the 2026 Commonwealth Games with two national records to his name, a testament to his consistency and continued excellence on the international stage while providing another significant boost for Ghanaian swimming.