11 August 2026
Carine Senior High School graduate Iona Anderson’s stunning success in the pool headed an impressive showing by former WA public school students at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Former Carine Senior High School student Iona Anderson won the gold medal in the 100m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games. Credit: Delly Carr/Swimming Australia
The 20-year-old won silver in the 50m backstroke before storming home with a brilliant finish to win gold in the 100m backstroke.
Iona also claimed gold medals in both the women’s and mixed 4x100m medley relays and was thrilled with her breakout performance in Glasgow.
“Winning gold at the Commonwealth Games was an incredible moment and something I’m really proud of,” she said.
“Looking forward to the Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane Olympics (2032), every competition between now and then is an opportunity to learn, improve and prepare to perform at my best when it matters most.
“It gives me confidence that I can perform under pressure against other world-class athletes and has motivated me to keep improving because I know there’s always another challenge ahead.”
Iona paid tribute to Carine Senior High School staff, who helped her balance the demands of elite-level training with her academic studies.
“They were very accommodating, helping to facilitate my training schedule while also supporting my education in the classroom,” she said.
“My teachers were great at assisting my learning and preparing work for me to continue my studies while travelling.”
Watching Iona win gold was a proud moment for Carine Senior High School principal, Sue Somerville.
Backstroker Iona Anderson won three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Credit: Delly Carr/Swimming Australia
“Iona was an outstanding role model,” she said.
“Despite her exceptional swimming ability, she remained humble, grounded and quietly determined.
“She related well to everyone, was a genuine team player and consistently displayed the qualities of resilience, humility and dedication that have undoubtedly contributed to her success.”
Reflecting on her path to becoming an elite swimmer, Iona acknowledged the many sacrifices required to achieve her gold medal haul in Glasgow.
“There are personal sacrifices that come with elite swimming, like missing the Year 12 ball because I was away at a training camp and having less time to socialise with friends both in and out of school hours,” she said.
“But my family have been my biggest inspiration.
“They’ve supported me every step of the way and made so many sacrifices to help me chase my goals.
“I’ve also been inspired by Australian Dolphins, Blair Evans and Holly Barratt who were notable figures in the early years of my career.”
Iona was joined in Glasgow by former Churchlands Senior High School students Vas and Saya Middleton, a brother and sister duo who competed in judo.
Saya made it to the final of her 63kg division, walking away with silver after the bout went into overtime, while Vas finished fifth in the 55kg men’s division.
Keishin Ochi, a graduate of Shenton College, also featured on the judo mat where he won bronze in the men’s 81kg category.
At the velodrome, former Duncraig Senior High School student Kane Perris claimed the bronze medal in the Men’s Tandem B 1000m time trial alongside pilot Luke Zaccaria.
Rounding out the Commonwealth Games WA public school alumni was veteran netballer Courtney Bruce.
A graduate of Kelmscott Senior High School, Bruce was part of the Diamonds team that claimed the bronze medal against England.