Cole reappointed as youth games general manager for Malta

Paralympic swimming icon Ellie Cole AM PLY has been reappointed as Australian Team General Manager for the upcoming Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, continuing her leadership role within Australia’s high performance pathway.  

One of Australia’s most decorated swimmers, Cole represented Australia at three Commonwealth Games (2010, 2018 and 2022) and four Paralympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020). 

She is also a former New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder and, since 2025, has been an invaluable Board member, providing insights and expertise as an Institute alum, experienced athlete leader, and passionate advocate for the next generation of Australian sporting talent.

Across her distinguished career, she claimed three Commonwealth Games bronze medals and one silver medal, alongside a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals, including six gold. 

Her reappointment follows a successful tenure as Australian Team General Manager at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, marking her continued progression in high performance leadership. 

She stepped into her first team executive role ahead of Trinbago 2023, following in the footsteps of her mentor, Petria Thomas OAM OLY — Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022 and current Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026. 

Cole said she was honoured to return to the role and continue supporting emerging athletes on the international stage. 

“To be appointed again as Australian Team General Manager for the Malta Youth Games is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Cole said. 

“Trinbago 2023 was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career outside the pool. It showed me just how important leadership is, not only for performance but for people too. 

“Youth Games environments are so special. You see athletes at the very start of their international journey — full of ambition, nerves and potential. Being able to support them through that moment is a privilege. 

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our athletes, coaches and staff, and helping create an environment where they can grow in confidence and understand what it means to represent Australia.” 

Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, Petria Thomas OAM OLY, praised Cole’s leadership. 

“Ellie brings authenticity, experience and a genuine connection to athletes,” Thomas said. 

“She leads with empathy while maintaining high standards, and the team will be in excellent hands in Malta.” 

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips AM said Cole’s reappointment reflects her impact within the team environment. 

“Ellie has already proven herself as an exceptional leader,” Phillips said. 

“Her ability to connect with athletes, combined with her experience at the highest level of sport, makes her an invaluable asset to the Australian team.” 

The sport program will feature eight sports, including Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo (4×4) and Weightlifting. 

Malta 2027 will host the largest Para sport program in the competition’s history, building on the landmark inclusion of Para Athletics at the most recent Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. The Games will also see the debut of Sailing and Water Polo at a Commonwealth Youth Games. 

Malta will host the eighth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games, with previous games held in Edinburgh (2002), Bendigo (2004), Pune, India (2008), Isle of Man (2011), Samoa (2015), Bahamas (2017), and Trinbago (2023).