Commonwealth Games, Day Four Finals: Alex Perkins Uses Early Speed to Dominate Women’s 100 Fly
After a breakthrough at the 2025 World Championships, Alex Perkins has become one of the best butterfly swimmers in the world. Tonight, she proved it again. Like her teammate Jenna Forrester earlier in the 400 IM, Perkins became the third Australian swimmer to win two individual gold medals at these games.
The 50 fly champion had no problem using her early speed and had the fastest start of anyone. She touched in a time of 26.02 at the 50-meter mark, a half-second faster than anyone else. Perkins would extend her lead on the final 50 and swim to a time of 56.38
The 2025 World Championship bronze medalist was the heavy favourite coming into this meet, with her best time being over a second faster than anyone else in the field. With lots of international experience, Perkins had no problems coming through. Her time of 56.38 moves her to fourth in the world this year and was only 0.02 off the Games record, set in 2022 by Canada’s Maggie Mac Neil.
This meet has been a big step in Perkins’ career. Before these Games, she had never won an individual gold medal internationally. Now, she will leave with two. For Australia, the 100 fly has been a dominant event at the Commonwealth Games; Perkins continued that legacy tonight.
Keanna MacInnes, a 24-year-old from Scotland, finished in second place. Her time of 57.33 is a new best time and Scottish record. Erin Gallagher of South Africa finished in third place with a time of 57.39, just off her best time. It was no surprise to see the 50 fly silver medalist challenge Perkins in the first 50 meters, where she touched in a split of 26.51. She faded down the stretch but still managed a podium finish.
Brittany Castelluzzo of Australia was seeded second coming into the final. Castelluzzo swam to a new best time of 57.40 but ultimately came up short of the podium by 0.01.
