Five NSW swimmers and two coaches have been named in the Australian Dolphins team to compete at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, UK from 31 July to 6 August.
Congratulations to:
- Jesse Aungles - Cruiz Swim Club (Coach - Laura Brindley)
- Ricky Betar - Cruiz Swim Club (Coach - Martin Roberts, also selected on the team)
- Jasmine Greenwood - Cruiz Swim Club (Coach - Martin Roberts)
- Timothy Hodge - ACU Blacktown (Coach - Misha Payne, also selected on the team)
- Ella Jones - Kincumber Pacific Dolphins (Coach - Simon Watkins)
Recently appointed Head Coaches of the Australian Dolphins Paralympic team, Kate Sparkes and Harley Connolly, are both excited about the depth of talent the team boasts for the World Championships.
Connolly said he’s very happy with the performances he’s seen from the squad at the Australian Championships.
“I’m really impressed with how the swimmers have shaped up and put their bodies on the line to get themselves on the Australian Team,” said Connolly.
“We have a really experienced team as well as two debutants which is exciting.
With plenty of depth in the team, Sparkes said one to watch will be Dual Paralympian, Tim Hodge.
“Tim Hodge is going to be the busiest swimmer at the meet competing in five individual events and potentially two relays… he’s definitely one to watch out for,” she said.
Hodge will be looking to defend his World Title in the 200m IM SM9, after breaking his own world record twice in one day at the 2023 Australian Age MC Championships earlier this month.
NSW coaches Misha Payne and Marty Roberts have also been selected for the team.
With just under 500 days until the Paris Paralympics and trials on the horizon, there's plenty of work ahead for our Mighty Blues. We know you will do us proud!
To read more about the squad selection and for a full list of the Australian Dolphins Team, visit the Swimming Australia website.
Meanwhile, off the back of their standout performances at the Australian Age and Open Championships, nine young Mighty Blues and two NSW coaches have been named in the Australian Junior Dolphins team that will compete at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Netanya, Israel from 4-9 September 2023.
Congratulations to:
- Tane Bidois - Knox Pymble (Coach - Nick Dobson)
- Jessica Cole - Wests Illawarra Aquatic (Coach - Pat Stellino)
- Marcus Da Silva - Cranbrook Aquatics (Coach - Rebecca Wheatley)
- Jaimie DeLutiis - Wests Illawarra Aquatic (Coach - Pat Stellino)
- Alexander Foreman - Kincumber Pacific Dolphins (Coach - Debby Tattoli)
- Bella Grant - Trinity Grammar (Coach - Ben Tuxford, also selected on the team)
- Isabella Johnson - Cruiz (Coach - Shannon Rollason)
- Josh Kerr - Manly (Coach - Justin Rothwell)
- Olivia Wunsch - Carlile (Coach - Michaela Pattinson, also selected on the team)
To read more about the squad selection and for a full list of the Australian Dolphins Team, visit the Swimming Australia website.
And, finally, congratulations to Maddy Gough and coach Chris Nesbit (Carlile), who have both been selected on the Australian Dolphins team that will contest the Open Water component of the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan from 15-20 July 2023.
To read more about the squad selection and for a full list of the Australian Dolphins Team, visit the Swimming Australia website.
