Why This Sister vs Sister Swim Race Is One Of The Commonwealth Games’ Rarest Stories

• Teenage sisters Astrid and Ursula Carroll will race against each other at the Commonwealth Games.

• Despite growing up together, one represents Scotland while the other competes for England.

• Their inspiring journey combines family, rivalry, resilience and overcoming visual impairment.

July 23, (THEWILL) — The Commonwealth Games has produced countless memorable rivalries over the years, but few are as heartwarming or as unusual as the one about to unfold in Glasgow.

When Astrid and Ursula Carroll step onto the starting blocks for the women’s 100m freestyle S13, they’ll be doing something most siblings never imagine: competing against each other while wearing different national colours.

Raised under the same roof, trained in the same pool and driven by the same dream, the visually impaired sisters are now separated only by the flags on their swimsuits. Their story is about far more than medals; it’s about family, determination and a rivalry built on love.

Here are seven reasons why their story is one of the most fascinating at the Commonwealth Games.

1. They’re Sisters Wearing Different National Colours

Most siblings dream of representing the same country.

The Carroll sisters have taken a different path.

Seventeen-year-old Astrid was born in Edinburgh and competes for Scotland, while 14-year-old Ursula was born in Halifax and represents England.

That means they’ll line up against each other in Glasgow not as teammates, but as rivals.

2. They Trained Together Before Becoming Commonwealth Rivals

For years, Astrid and Ursula shared the same training sessions at Stockport Metro Swimming Club, helping each other improve every day.

Now, for the first time in competition, they’ll race against each other on one of the biggest stages in sport.

Their strongest training partner has suddenly become their biggest rival.

3. Their Family Can’t Choose a Side

Cheering for one athlete is easy.

Cheering for two daughters representing different countries is a different challenge altogether.

Their grandparents even joked about wearing a shirt with Scotland’s flag on the front and England’s on the back so they wouldn’t have to pick sides.

It’s one of the most unusual family stories of the Games.

4. They’ve Both Overcome the Same Rare Eye Condition

Both sisters live with Stargardt disease, a rare inherited eye condition that gradually damages central vision.

Astrid describes it as seeing through a doughnut or bubble wrap.

Instead of allowing the condition to stop them, both teenagers adapted and worked their way to the Commonwealth Games.

5. They’ve Had to Reinvent the Way They Swim

Elite swimming is incredibly visual but not for Astrid.

She counts every stroke approaching the wall and also uses “tappers,” who gently tap swimmers to signal when it’s time to prepare for a turn.

It’s a remarkable adaptation that allows her to compete at the highest level despite limited vision.

6. Their Bond Is Bigger Than Their Rivalry

Despite the competition, the sisters remain each other’s biggest supporters.

Ursula says Astrid inspires her every day and has helped her understand life as an elite para-swimmer.

Meanwhile, Astrid enjoys having someone beside her who truly understands both the pressures of international competition and living with visual impairment.

7. No Matter Who Wins, They’ll Both Make History

Someone will finish first when they meet in the pool.

But the result won’t define their story.

Two sisters, living with the same visual impairment, reaching the Commonwealth Games together while representing different nations is already an extraordinary achievement.

Whether Scotland or England celebrates the louder victory, the Carroll family has already won.

Sport creates unforgettable rivalries, but very few are built on love, laughter and shared dreams.

Astrid and Ursula Carroll aren’t just racing for medals; they’re showing the world that family can remain stronger than competition, even when different flags are on the starting blocks.

When they dive into the pool in Glasgow, they’ll make Commonwealth Games history together, regardless of who touches the wall first.