Paralympians in 30-strong squad heading to World Para Swimming Championships

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.”

The British Para-swimming team for the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships

  • Jessica-Jane Applegate, City of Norwich
  • Ellie Challis, NPC Manchester
  • Louise Fiddes, Hatfield SC
  • Scott Quin, Edinburgh University
  • Rebecca Redfern, Worcester SC
  • Hannah Russell, NPC Manchester
  • Toni Shaw, University of Stirling
  • Maisie Summers-Newton, Northampton SC

The athletes above gained pre-selection based on performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and post-Games domestic meet criteria.

  • Stephen Clegg, Edinburgh University
  • Sam Downie, East Lothian
  • Bethany Firth, Ards SC
  • Eliza Humphrey, Northampton SC
  • Scarlett Humphrey, Northampton SC
  • Poppy Maskill, Alsager SC
  • Brock Whiston, Barking and Dagenham AC

The athletes above gained selection after they achieved the consideration time as per the selection policy (individual).

  • Oliver Carter, University of Stirling
  • Jordan Catchpole, Team Waveney
  • Reece Dunn, Plymouth Leander
  • Suzanna Hext, Swindon ASC
  • James Hollis, Loughbrough University
  • Tully Kearney, NPC Manchester
  • Lyndon Longhorne, Derwentside SC
  • William Perry, Northampton SC
  • Matthew Redfern, Worcester SC
  • Alice Tai, Ealing SC

The athletes above gained selection after they achieved the consideration time as per the selection policy (relay).

  • Tom Hamer, NPC Manchester
  • Grace Harvey, NPC Manchester
  • Louis Lawlor, City of Glasgow ST
  • Zara Mullooly, Leeds University
  • Cameron Vearncombe, Plymouth Leander

The athletes above gained selection at the discretion of the British Para-Swimming Head Coach.

British Para-swimming selection policies can be found here.

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