Para swimmers named for 2026 Commonwealth Games

An 18-strong Dolphins team – bookended with proven stars and sprinkled with seven rookies – has been selected to wear the green and gold in Para Swimming at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Headlined by Games’ gold medallists Tim Hodge OAM and Col Pearse, the squad also includes Dolphin veteran Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson OAM, and the youngest athlete expected to represent the Dolphins in Glasgow – 14-year-old Mia Hogan (pictured).

Patterson, selected for her fourth Games, 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.”

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

“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 the team – her first Australian team since Birmingham,” Tantrum said.

“For us we’re expecting a full medal sweep in some events and across the board we are expecting to be a very competitive team.”

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.”

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.”

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

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

A full team announcement for swimming will follow at the close of the Australian Swimming Trials on 13 June.