Joy for parents: 20 years after her disappearance, Madeleine McCann's brother thrives in the pool

Almost two decades after the family tragedy made headlines around the world, the McCann family is celebrating a moment of sporting joy. Kate and Gerry McCann, along with their daughter Amelie, sat today, Saturday, in the stands of the competitive pool in Glasgow to cheer for their 21-year-old son, Sean, who secured a spot in the 400-meter freestyle final at the Commonwealth Games.

Sean, for whom this is a debut in an international adult competition, recorded a time of 3:52.65 in the qualifying heat, placing seventh overall.

"It wasn't really expected, especially given the high level of the swimmers, but I am happy that I did it," Sean said after the heat. "There was incredible energy from the crowd. Representing Scotland here is an excellent milestone towards the ambition of reaching the Olympic Games."

Sean's eligibility to represent Scotland stems from the roots of his father, Gerry, who was born in Glasgow. Although he detested the water as a child, Sean has become an outstanding swimmer and now hopes to continue his strong performance in the 800 and 1,500-meter events later this week.

Sean and his twin sister, Amelie, were only two years old and were in the same room when their older sister, Madeleine, disappeared from a vacation apartment in Portugal in 2007. Over the years, their parents have emphasized that they did everything possible to allow the twins to grow up in as normal and empowering an environment as possible. Now, the family is receiving media coverage for the first time surrounding an inspiring sporting achievement.