The Commonwealth Games have always produced countless historic moments, but some of the most gripping matches have been decided by the narrowest of margins. Whether separated by a hundredth of a second, a few centimetres, a fraction of a point or the final bowl of an extra end, these events showed just how fine the line between gold and silver can be.
Over the years, athletes from across the Commonwealth nations have pushed each other to the limit, delivering finishes that have gone down in Games history. From dramatic last second finishes in the pool to nerve-racking field events and nail-biting finals decided by tie-breaks, these moments showcased the highest level of sporting excellence.
Top 5 Closest Finishes in Commonwealth Games History
From a 0.01-second swimming finish and a gymnastics title decided by just 0.200 points to a hammer throw separated by seven centimetres, a para powerlifting gold settled through decimal tie-breaks and a lawn bowls final that went to an extra end, these contests delivered edge-of-the-seat drama. Each showcased how the smallest margins can produce some of the most unforgettable moments in these events. In this article we take a look at five of the closest finishes in Commonwealth Games history.
Josh Liendo vs Matt Temple – Men’s 100m Butterfly (Glasgow 2026)
Canada's Josh Liendo successfully defended his Commonwealth title in dramatic fashion. Touching the wall in 50.42 seconds, he held off Australia's Matt Temple by just 0.01 seconds, making it one of the closest swimming finishes in Commonwealth Games history. This close margin left the Glasgow crowd stunned and became one of the defining moments of the 2026 Games.
Reuben Ward vs Felix Dolci – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics All-Around (Glasgow 2026)
Scotland’s Reuben Ward claimed historic gold after an intense battle with Canada’s Felix Dolci. The lead changed hands throughout the competition before Ward produced a composed final routine to win by exactly 0.200 points (79.650 to 79.450). It remains one of the closest all-around victories in recent Commonwealth history. The special thing was Reuben Ward could achieve this feat at his home turf.
Nick Miller vs Ethan Katzberg – Men’s Hammer Throw (Birmingham 2022)
England’s Nick Miller successfully defended his title in a thrilling field event duel. His best throw of 76.43 metres edged Canada’s Ethan Katzberg, who recorded 76.36 metres. Gold was decided by a mere 7 centimetres, one of the narrowest margins ever seen in a Commonwealth Games throwing final. This was a classic match at Birmingham.
Mark Swan vs Roland Ezuruike – Men’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Glasgow 2026)
England's Mark Swan and Nigeria's Roland Ezuruike were inseparable after finishing with the same displayed coefficient score of 153.9 points. Gold was eventually awarded to Swan after officials applied the competition's tie-break rules using additional decimal places. It was the first gold medal of Glasgow 2026 and a remarkable finish, with the title decided only after officials went beyond the displayed decimal places.
Ellen Ryan & Kristina Krstic vs England – Women’s Pairs Lawn Bowls (Birmingham 2022)
Australia's Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic looked set for victory before England forced an extra end with the final bowl of regulation. In the sudden-death end, England briefly held the advantage until Ryan produced a superb final delivery to secure a dramatic 19-18 victory for Australia. Her final bowl completed a remarkable finish and sealed one of the most memorable lawn bowls finals in Commonwealth Games history.
