A ‘terrific blend of experienced names and exciting prospects’ have been selected for a 30-strong British team heading to the World Para Swimming Championships.
All 14 British medallists from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics are included in the squad for the 10th edition of the championships, which takes place at the Penteada Olympic Swimming Complex, in Madeira, Portugal, between 12-18 June.
It will give many the chance to impress on the global stage for the first time in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Included in the squad are seven Tokyo Paralympic champions – Maisie Summers-Newton, Reece Dunn, Hannah Russell, Tully Kearney, Bethany Firth, Jessica-Jane Applegate and Jordan Catchpole.
Two sets of siblings are also in the team with Becky Redfern being joined by her younger brother, Matthew, while Northampton Swimming Club’s Humphrey twins, Scarlett and Eliza, earning their first senior selections together.
Alice Tai and Tom Hamer, who both missed out on competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games due to injuries, also make a return to the squad.
Development opportunity
Head Coach Rob Aubry said: “I’m delighted with the team that we have selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in June.
“Tokyo was a huge success under challenging circumstances last year. However, we’re now focused on positively building momentum into this new Paralympic cycle and it’s exciting to welcome some new faces to the team.
“We’ll continue working closely with these athletes and their home programmes on progression plans to enable them to arrive at the Championships in a position to deliver their best possible performance.”
Tim Jones, British Swimming Associate Performance Director, added: “With a shortened cycle into the next Paralympic Games, these World Championships in June are one of the foundation stones as we build towards our Paris 2024 objectives.
“The team selected bonds together a terrific blend of experienced names and exciting prospects – this combination will not just make us competitive on the medal front, but presents a key development opportunity for our next generation to refine their craft in the international arena.”