Introduction
Twins Olivia (left) and Georgia Nel will both represent South Africa at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
Annette Cowley Nel's aspirations of winning a swimming gold medal at the 1986 Commonwealth Games were abruptly ended by political circumstances.
On the eve of her race at the Edinburgh competition, she was banned from participating and escorted from the athletes' village by police.
Now, 40 years later, this story will come full circle emotionally as she watches her daughters compete at the Games.
Twins Georgia and Olivia Nel have both been selected for South Africa's swimming team for the Games, which commence 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."
The 1986 Commonwealth Games Context
The 1986 Games in Edinburgh featured many sporting achievements, including Liz McColgan's 10,000m gold medal.
However, they are also remembered for the boycott by 32 nations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
These countries protested against UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's policy on South Africa.
Thatcher refused to impose economic sanctions on South Africa’s apartheid regime.
Due to apartheid, South African athletes were banned from international competition.
Annette Cowley's Career and Ban
After qualifying for the 1986 Commonwealth Games representing England, Cowley was among the favourites to win the gold medal.
Cowley Nel describes apartheid as a "terrible time" for South Africa and expressed her desire for equality for all.
She believes the changes since then have been "extremely positive" but remains frustrated that all South African athletes were treated the same regardless of their personal views.
At 19, Annette Cowley accepted the opportunity to compete for England, her mother's country.
She qualified for the Commonwealth Games and, as British champion, was a favourite for the 100m freestyle event.
However, as the Games approached, many nations boycotted, and the event faced financial difficulties.
A controversial episode unfolded when media tycoon Robert Maxwell intervened, pledging to save the Games.
He recruited a suspected Japanese war criminal to assist with financing.
Attention then focused on Cowley and fellow white South African runner Zola Budd, who was also set to compete for England after her contentious appearance for Great Britain at the 1984 Olympics.
Amid growing discontent, Games officials banned both athletes over residency rule disputes.
At the time, Cowley, a British citizen, stated she lived in both the UK and the US, studying in Texas and competing in the UK during summers.
Officials denied the ban was political, but it was widely seen as an attempt to appease boycotting nations.
On the eve of her race, Cowley was removed from the athletes' village, ending her hopes.
Aftermath of the Ban
Annette Cowley appeared before the global media shortly after being banned from the Edinburgh Games.
She watched her race from the stands at Edinburgh's Commonwealth pool.
Canadian Jane Kerr won the event with a time slower than Cowley’s qualifying time.
Following this, Cowley became disillusioned with swimming.
When the 1992 Olympics arrived, she hoped to compete for South Africa but was not selected after previously competing for England.
"It was a difficult time in my life," she recalled.
"I was young and didn't realise what was going on behind the scenes.
"I had a lot to deal with at a young age, and that stood me in good stead for life."
Commonwealth Games Return and Family Legacy
Forty years after the events in Edinburgh, the Commonwealth Games are again being held in Scotland.
Cowley Nel and her husband Jeremy will support their daughters Georgia and Olivia, who turn 24 on the opening day of the Games.
Olivia competed at the 2022 Birmingham Games, while this will be Georgia's debut.
"I do it for myself, I do it for my family, but having that history really makes me so much more inclined to want to do it and represent my country and to do well," said Olivia.
She added that the Games being staged in Scotland made it "quite special" and "a full circle moment."
The Nel sisters may compete together in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
Georgia described it as "a really unique opportunity" for both sisters to compete and to have the chance their mother never had.
"I'm very grateful not only to represent South Africa, but to represent her at these Commonwealth Games," she added.
