Para locks in blueprint to fast track Dolphins

Declan Budd, (pictured) one of Australia’s newest Dolphins, thought “racing the world’s best” would be the most nerve-racking part of his debut at the 2025 Singapore World Para Swimming Championships.

But it wasn’t – it was the travel and change of diet.

The squad features Paris Paralympian Maddie McTernan alongside the rising stars earmarked to become Dolphins following impressive performances at the 2026 Australian MC Age Championships.

This list features national age record-breakers and prolific medallists Budd, Liam Togher and Mia Hogan.

Budd delivered a standout meet, clocking 53.33 in the 100m freestyle to claim bronze before breaking a long-standing S14 age record in the 50m butterfly (25.96) to win gold.

Hogan also made her mark, rewriting the S13 girls’ 14–15 years 100m butterfly age record, while Togher broke two-time Paralympian Tim Hodge’s S9 16 years 100m backstroke national age record.

Tantrum said development tours were a critical component of athlete development on the runway to Brisbane 2032.

“The goal of these tours is to prepare our athletes to be self-sufficient and confident travelling internationally, so when their opportunity comes to represent Australia, they’re ready for everything that comes with it,” Tantrum said.

“This includes adapting to different time zones, food and culture, navigating airports and travel with changed sleep routines, and learning how to prepare effectively away from home.

“By developing these skills early, we’re setting our athletes up to transition more seamlessly into senior team environments – and this in turn sets them up for success.”

The New Zealand tour will contest the 2026 New Zealand Championships in Auckland on 13-17 May 2026.