Australian Dolphins named for World Championships and Commonwealth Games

Tokyo Gold medallists Kaylee McKeown and Zac Stubblety-Cook are amongst a host of Australian swimming stars set to headline the Dolphins team for the upcoming FINA World Championships.

Swimming Australia has selected a team of 39 for next month’s meet in Budapest, including 11 rookies named to their first Australian team.

The squad was selected at the conclusion of this week’s Australian Swimming Championships at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide.

Swimming Australia CEO, Eugénie Buckley, congratulated the selected athletes, expressing her pride on behalf of the broader swimming community.

“Our team’s Olympic campaign in Tokyo inspired a nation and from the performances we’ve witnessed this week at trials it’s clear how driven our athletes are to build on that success,” Buckley said.

“These World Championships are the first step on the path to Paris and I have no doubt our Dolphins will continue to set the benchmark on that journey.”

“It’s wonderful to see a mixture of our established leaders, and the joy of those experiencing selection on an Australian team for the first time and I’m sure each and every athlete will do us proud.”

The Dolphins will be led by Head Coach Rohan Taylor alongside team coaches and support staff including  Peter Bishop, Michael Bohl, Dean Boxall, Clare Burns, Ashley Callus, Steve Miller, Jess Corones, Cat Croghan, Terry Downes, Luke Eggleston, Katherine Grellman, Ivan Hooper, Deb Jones, Adam Kable, Kieran Marsh, Vince Raleigh, Tim Rawlins, Richard Scarce, Tamara Sheppard, Dean Sullivan and Kirsty West.

The Dolphins will travel to Europe in early June for a staging camp before the World Championships in Budapest from June 18-25.

Australian Dolphins FINA World Championships team

*Denotes Rookie

Swimming Australia has also proudly nominated 46 athletes to compete as part of the Australian Commonwealth Games team in Birmingham.

These athletes will join their para swimming teammates in an integrated swim team of 76 for the Birmingham Games.

Buckley believes the selected Dolphins will add their own chapter to Australian swimming’s rich history at the Games.

“Swimming is synonymous with the success of Australian teams at the Commonwealth Games and this team will undoubtedly add to that legacy in Birmingham,” Buckley said.

“It remains a special competition for our athletes, particularly the chance to compete with their para swimming teammates in our country’s colours and we are immensely proud to see all of our swimmers and coaches take that opportunity with both hands.”

The Commonwealth Games team will also be led by Head Coach Rohan Taylor, alongside team coaches and support staff including Peter Bishop, Michael Bohl, Dean Boxall , Jess Corones, Sean Eels, Damien Jones, Kieran Marsh, Chris Nesbit, Michael Palfery, Janelle Pallister, Vince Raleigh, Tim Rawlins, Tamara Sheppard, Mel Tantrum and Kirsty West.

The Australian Dolphins heading to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are:

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games commence on July 28.