Great Britain names strong squad for World Para-swimming Championships

Six Paralympic champions spearhead a strong Great Britain squad that will compete at the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships.

Jessica Jane Applegate, Bethany Firth, Michael Jones, Eleanor Robinson, Eleanor Simmonds and Alice Tai are among the 24 British swimmers that will take part in the prestigious event at the London Aquatics Centre from 9-15 September.

The remainder of the squad also features of wealth of experience with Paralympic, World and European medallists included, while there are also swimmers making their senior international debut.

A number of swimmers booked their places in the team following the British Para-swimming International Meet at the Tollcross International Sports Centre in Glasgow.

The event saw a number of world records shattered with Tai, Maisie Summers Newton, Reece Dunn and Ellie Challis all setting new bests.

Rob Aubry, head coach of the squad, said he was excited about the prospect of what the team could achieve.

Challenge for medals

He added: “I’m delighted with the team that we have selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in London in September. 

“We have selected a team that will not just make finals, but challenge for medals in front of a home crowd.

“With a year to go until Tokyo, we have also selected a couple of new faces onto the team, to gain valuable experience within the final preparation phase. 

“These athletes will be working hard on race preparation and learning what it takes to deliver their best performances under pressure.

“We have always delivered strong performances in the female relays but I’m delighted that we’ve been able to select a strong S14 Mixed Relay combination too. 

“I’m excited about the prospect of this team and future development of these individuals, as we continue to push these combinations forwards at a global level.”

The British Para-Swimming team for the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships:

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

  • Jessica Jane Applegate, England, City of Norwich SC
  • Jordan Catchpole, England, City of Norwich SC
  • Stephen Clegg, Scotland, City of Sunderland ASC
  • Reece Dunn, England, Plymouth Leander SC
  • Louise Fiddes, England, Hatfield SC
  • Bethany Firth, England, Newcastle Swim Team
  • Thomas Hamer, England, Stockport Metro SC
  • Michael Jones, England, National Performance Centre/COMAST
  • Scott Quin, Scotland, Warrender Baths
  • Rebecca Redfern, England, Worcester SC
  • Megan Richter, England, Orion SC
  • Eleanor Robinson, England, Northampton SC
  • Toni Shaw, Scotland, University of Aberdeen 
  • Eleanor Simmonds, England, Camden Swiss Cottage SC
  • Maisie Summers Newton, England, Northampton SC
  • Alice Tai, England, Ealing SC
  • Brock Whiston, England, Barking & Dagenham Aquatics Club

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

  • Stephanie Millward, England, Corsham ASC
  • Zara Mullooly, England, Guildford City SC

The athletes below gained selection at the discretion of the National Performance Director:

  • Ellie Challis, England, Colchester Phoenix ASC
  • Suzanna Hext, England, Swindon Dolphin ASC    
  • Tully Kearney, England, National Performance Centre/COMAST
  • Louis Lawlor, Scotland, Glasgow SC
  • Rhys Davies, Wales, Pembroke & District ASC
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