Headlined by Games’ gold medallists Tim Hodge OAM – a New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship holder -and Col Pearse, who further cemented their status with standout performances at Birmingham 2022, the squad also includes Dolphin veteran Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson OAM, taking to the pool at the Commonwealth Games for a fourth time.

Patterson is one of Australia’s most decorated swimmers and is back at the pool where she made her Dolphins’ debut as a 15-year-old.

“It’s always an honour to wear the green and gold and representing Australia at my fourth Commonwealth Games is special,” Lucky said.

“The Commonwealth Games is the only time on the international stage we get to compete alongside our able-bodied friends, and we have more classifications on offer this time around.

“And I am so excited to have Mia Hogan on the team, who is basically the same age as me when I made my Australian debut!”

In addition to Hogan, 14, the group of exciting debutants also features 16‑year‑olds Gemma Sellick and Liam Togher.

To date, Hogan is the youngest member of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team and has impressed with her rapid rise through the ranks.

“I am so excited to join the Dolphins at the Commonwealth Games, to wear the green and gold, it’s something I’ve dreamed about,” Hogan said.

“I’ve learned so much from the more experienced swimmers… I’ve already known Lucky and I’ve met Lani Pallister, and I’m really looking forward to joining them on team and racing on such a big stage.”

Australian Team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY said the team embodies the values and spirit of Australian sport.

“Australian swimming has a proud history at the Commonwealth Games, and the Para Swimming squad for Glasgow will build on that legacy with incredible performances no doubt,” Thomas said.

“I commend those confirmed today, acknowledge the tireless effort of their coaches, support staff, friends and family behind the scenes and look forward to welcoming their able-bodied Dolphins counterparts to the Team next month.”

Swimming Australia National Head Coach of the Paralympic Program Mel Tantrum said she was excited about the balance of the Para team.

“There is so much experience and youth in this team … from Tim, Col and Lucky through to Mia and all our debutants and the likes of Kirralee Hayes returning to team – her first Ausralian team since Birmingham.”

Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse added: “On behalf of Swimming Australia, I would like to congratulate the athletes selected and announced today,” Woodhouse said.

“For those making their Commonwealth Games debut, we are excited to see them gain experience on the international stage alongside some of Australia’s most accomplished Para Swimmers as they represent the nation with pride in Glasgow.”

The selected team reflects the continued strength and depth of Australia’s Para Swimming program, with athletes who have consistently delivered on the global stage and continue to push the boundaries of excellence.

Australian Para Swimming Team – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

NAMEEVENTAGESTATECOMMONWEALTH GAMES
Emily Beecroft OAM100m Freestyle SB926QLDBirmingham 2022 – bronze medallist
Victoria Belando Nicholson100m Freestyle S9, 100m Backstroke S918QLDDebut
Jasmin Fullgrabe100m Backstroke S920SADebut
Alyssa Gillespie100m Breaststroke SB817NSWDebut
Jasmine Greenwood200m Individual Medley SM1021ACTGold Coast 2018; Birmingham 2022 – gold medallist
Kirralee Hayes50m Freestyle S13, 100m Freestyle S1321QLDBirmingham 2022 – bronze medallist
Timothy Hodge OAM100m Backstroke S9, 100m Breaststroke SB925NSWISGold Coast – two-time silver medallist; Birmingham 2022 – gold and silver medallist
Mia Hogan50m Freestyle S13, 100m Freestyle S1314NSWDebut
Jack Ireland200m Freestyle S1426QLDBirmingham 2022 – bronze medallist
Jenna Jones200m Freestyle S1425QLDBirmingham 2022
Beau Matthews100m Breaststroke SB917NSWISDebut
Maddie McTernan200m Freestyle S1425QLDBirmingham 2022
Lakeisha Patterson OAM100m Freestyle S927QLDGlasgow 2014 – bronze medallist; Gold Coast 2018 – two-time gold medallist; Birmingham 2022
Col Pearse100m Butterfly S1022VICBirmingham 2022 – gold medallist
Alex Saffy100m Butterfly S1020ACTBirmingham 2022 – silver medallist
Gemma Sellick100m Backstroke S9, 100m Breaststroke SB816NSWDebut
Liam Togher100m Backstroke S916NSWDebut
Harrison Vig100m Backstroke S923QLDBirmingham 2022

The finest Para Swimmers from across the Commonwealth are set to showcase their strength, skill and speed as they take to the pool at Glasgow 2026.

A key part of the Commonwealth Games program since its debut at Manchester 2002, Para Swimming continues to play a vital role in the growth and visibility of Para sport on the international stage.

Australia has built a proud legacy in Para Swimming at the Commonwealth Games, consistently delivering world-class performances. Ben Austin OAM made history as Australia’s first Para Swimming gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, while the team has continued to achieve outstanding success in the years since.

At Birmingham 2022, Australia’s swimmers once again demonstrated their strength and depth, contributing to the nation’s overall success in the pool and reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in the sport.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August. Swimming events will take place at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre from Friday 24 to Wednesday 29 July.

*The selection announcement today is the first of two for Swimming Australia at Glasgow 2026.

**A full team announcement for swimming will follow after athletes are selected at the close of the Australian Swimming Trial and nomination period on 13 June.

Commonwealth Games Australia

Tags Beau MatthewsTimothy Hodge

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