Eight rookies named in World Short Course Team

THE final night of Australian Short Course Trials was full of emotion as Australia confirmed a squad of 24 – including eight rookies alongside Olympic marquee swim stars Kaylee McKeown, Elijah Winnington and Meg Harris – for the World Short Course Championships in Budapest.

A new generation of stars are set to be launched in December as the Australian Dolphins compete at the 2024 World Aquatics World Short Course Championships in Budapest, Hungary from December 10-15.

The team, which features newly minted world short course record holder McKeown, the versatile Lani Pallister, Paris Olympic medallists Winnington and Harris, and eight senior debutants in the gold cap.

In all, two world records and four national records were broken over the four-day meet at SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre which dismissed the myth of a Paris hangover and introduced sports fans to the next Dolphins that will light up the world stage – like Milla Jansen.

For Jansen, her selection follows an outstanding 2024 campaign in which the Bond University student celebrated six podium finishes at the Junior Pan Pacs in Canberra and a win in the 100m free at this meet.

Jansen will be a key player in the Dolphins rejuvenation of 100m stocks given the five-ring retirements of Emma McKeon and Campbell sisters Cate and Bronte.

In all, 24 athletes will contest the World Short Course Championships including Olympians Isaac Cooper, Alex Perkins, Josh Yong, Matt Temple, Max Giuliani and Iona Anderson in what is the last international event of the year.

Another Pallister is also packing her bags for Budapest which will be Griffith Coach Janelle, understudy to master coach Michael Bohl, 1988 Olympian and mother of Lani, with the Gold Coast club securing four spots.

Rackley Swimming Club also had four athletes selected.

World Short Course campaign head coach Simon Cusack said: “The World Short Course has traditionally been a great opportunity for swimmers transitioning from junior to senior level.”

“The World Short Course meet presents a great opportunity for our younger swimmers to learn from established Dolphins – this is a springboard meet ahead of the World Championships in Singapore next year.

“It’s a learning opportunity for younger athletes to learn how to travel, become more resilient and perform when it matters most in an unfamiliar environment including time zones, weather and diet.

“In particular, Ed Sommerville’s performances here in Adelaide are a credit to his perseverance and determination after dislocating his shoulder before Olympic Trials and to come back and break a national record – held by Cam McEvoy – is inspiring.”

Athletes selected for the 2024 World Aquatics World Short Course Championships in Budapest are: