Successful trials sees Dolphins squad named for 2024 Paris Paralympics

The conclusion of the first five-days of the Australian Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre yesterday evening has seen Paralympics Australia name a team of 30 athletes who will represent the nation at the upcoming 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Australia will be represented by a mix of youth and experienced Para swimmers - from debutant and youngest in the team Holly Warn through to two-time Paralympic gold medallist Rowan Crothers.

General Manager of the Paralympic Program, Anna Johnson advised "the calibre of athletes we have which includes current world record holders, reigning champions through to school aged debutants, all of whom have proven their ability to step up and perform under pressure at these Trials shows that we have a great chance of podium success in Paris.

“We now move our focus to the vital pre-Paralympic campaign phase and will utilise the expert support staff and technical leadership to execute our plans in way that will enable our para athletes to perform when it matters most.

"They haven’t just settled for getting to the start line, they want to excel ... and they will make us proud. There will be Australian children with disabilities who watch these athletes compete and dream of being a Paralympian."

Paris 2024 Head Coach, Greg Towle noted “it has been a fantastic week of racing for our Paralympic swimmers."

"The crowds and atmosphere here at the Olympic and Paralympic Trials has provided them an opportunity to execute their skills and perform when it matters most as they chase their dreams of representing Australia in Paris.

“We have witnessed many brilliant swims this week, headlined by Tim Hodge’s World Record in the 200m Individual Medley.

“The Team is made up of youth and experience with Brendan Hall going into his fifth Paralympics and Ahmed Kelly his fourth Paralympics.

“I am particularly excited to see our rookies stepping up on to the international stage, led by newcomers Alexa Leary and Callum Simpson who bring a new energy and excitement to the group.

“I am proud of all the athletes and Team coaches selected into this team and I look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead and I am confident this united group will combine to achieve their best and perform on the world stage in two months time.”

Among those named were reigning 50 metres freestyle gold medallist, and 50 and 100 metres freestyle world champion Rowan Crothers, seven-time medallist Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson, and going for gold at three consecutive Games Rachael Watson.

Silver Paralympic medallist Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson, aged 35, is the most senior member of the team and will now prepare to compete at his fourth Paralympics, having started his Paralympic journey at London in 2012.

The 2024 Australian Paralympic Swimming Team will head to Chartres for their staging camp on 12th August before the Paris Paralympic Games begin on 28th August 2024.

Paralympic Team Chef de Mission, Kate McLoughlin added "Australia has had huge success in Paralympic swimming, from the first Games in 1960 in Rome, where the late Daphne Hilton won the country’s very first gold medal in the sport.

“In Tokyo, our swimmers brought home 33 medals, including eight gold, setting the tone for the wider Australian Paralympic Team. When our swimmer team does well, Australia does well.

 “We’ll have another strong team of swimmers representing us in Paris and I know they’ll be prepared and determined to give their absolute best as they go after their goals.”

The final events of the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials - which are being held from 10th to 15th June - conclude tonight.

Image: The Dolphins swimming team for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris on the pool deck at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre last night. Credit: Swimming Australia.