Banned swimmer's daughters to realise family's Commonwealth Games dream

Image source, Nel family Image caption, Twins Olivia (left) and Georgia Nel will both represent South Africa at this summer's Commonwealth Games. By Graham Fraser BBC Scotland News Published 24 June 2026 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." Image source, Nel family Image caption, Olivia (left) and Georgia Nel (right) with their mum Annette The 1986 Games in Edinburgh had many sporting triumphs - including Liz McColgan's 10,000m gold medal. But they are also remembered for being boycotted by 32 nations from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. They took a stance against UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's policy on South Africa. Thatcher refused to impose economic sanctions on a regime committed to racial segregation. South Africa's sports stars were banned from competing internationally because of the country's policy of apartheid. Image caption, After Cowley qualified for the 1986 Commonwealth Games for England, she was one of the favourites to win the gold medal Cowley Nel describes apartheid as a "terrible time" for South Africa, and says she had wanted equality for all. She believes the changes in the country since then have been "extremely positive" - but remains frustrated that all South African athletes at that time were treated the same, regardless of their personal views. Aged 19 at the time, Annette Cowley took up the opportunity to race for the country of her mother - England. She qualified for the Commonwealth Games and, as British champion, was a favourite for the 100m freestyle. But as the Games approached, nation after nation boycotted and the event faced financial abyss. Image source, Nel family Image caption, The banning of Cowley and Budd from the Games generated newspaper headlines A bizarre chapter unfolded when media tycoon Robert Maxwell stepped in and proclaimed he would save the Games. He recruited a suspected Japanese war criminal to help finance it. Focus turned to Cowley and her fellow white South African, the runner Zola Budd. She was also ready to race for England after her controversial appearance for Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games. Amid the growing discontent, Games officials banned them both over residency rules. At the time, Cowley - a British citizen - says she lived in both the UK and US, studying in Texas and racing in the UK during the summer. Administrators denied the ban was political, but it was seen