by John Humphrey
LaSalle’s world-class swimmer has added yet another title to her impressive resume of aquatic achievements: history-maker. Kylie Masse captured gold and silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in July, en route to becoming the most decorated female Canadian swimmer ever at the games.
Masse once again won the gold medal in the 50-metre backstroke in Glasgow, duplicating the feat she accomplished at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, four years ago. She also took the silver medal in the women’s 100-metre backstroke in Scotland. The pair of medals brought her career total to 11, setting a new record for Canadian female swimmers at the Commonwealth Games.
In addition to Glasgow and Birmingham, Masse has also represented Canada at the 2018 Gold Coast, Australia Commonwealth Games, where she won four medals in her Games debut. She won five medals in Birmingham.
Masse, who has also represented Canada at the Olympics on three occasions (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), has won five career Olympic medals.
Named one of the four co-captains for Canada’s swim team in Glasgow, Masse was as quick to put her history-making performance in Scotland into perspective as she is in the pool.
“It feels really special. In the prelims and semis, I was struggling with keeping my tempo up at the end, so I think I was able to execute that better tonight. I’m pleased with the time and with the win. To defend my title is the best-case scenario,” Masse told Paula Nichols, Senior Editor, Olympic and Historical Content for the Canadian Olympic Committee, after successfully defending her title in the women’s 50m. “I think having the opportunity to race on the big stage brings out the best in me.
“To race incredible competitors always makes me go faster,” she continued. “And I think being in this environment, representing Canada, and knowing this is the focal point of my season also brings out the best of me,
“It was very intense in Glasgow and there were a lot of long days and nights. It was a big thrill to be at my third Commonwealth Games.”
Masse, who served alongside fellow co-captains Joshua Liendo, Sophie Angus, and Alec Elliot in Glasgow, was elected to the position by her swim teammates.
The participation of Masse at the Games in Glasgow was not a foregone conclusion just a few weeks ago, as she spent six months at home with her parents in LaSalle earlier this year contemplating her career objectives.
The reset at home in LaSalle gave Masse renewed focus and commitment to continue her trailblazing in the pool for Canada.
“This sport is incredible, but if you don’t take the time yourself that you need and remove yourself a little bit, it just keeps going,” Masse told the Canadian Press at the Canadian Swimming Trials at the Montreal Olympic Pool during the first week of July this year. “I found it important to take a little bit of a step back and just re-evaluate.”
“I haven’t been at home really since I was 18,” she continued. “It was pretty cool to be back with my parents and spend some quality time with them, but it fulfilled me in different ways, and I think it’s what’s motivating me for the next two years leading into L.A.”
And LaSalle’s world-class swimmer will be attempting to make more Canadian history at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her 200m backstroke bronze in Paris gave her the distinction of being the first Canadian swimmer to earn a medal in three consecutive Games.