Aquatics GB has confirmed a 23-strong para-swimming roster set to compete at the 2026 Dutch National Championships and the World Para Swimming European Championships. The selection marks a significant milestone for athletes aiming for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, with a busy summer of competition ahead.
A Blend of Experience and New Talent
The selected team showcases a mix of seasoned Paralympic champions and emerging stars, who recently delivered impressive performances at the Aquatics GB Championships in London. This event saw numerous British records fall, including three world records, highlighting the strong form of the nation's para-swimmers. Among the notable inclusions are Stephen Clegg, Alice Tai, Bethany Firth, and Will Ellard, alongside senior international debutants Ursula Carroll and Brooklyn Hale. Carroll's inclusion is particularly significant as the team boasts a notable number of visually impaired swimmers.
Road to LA 2028 and Key Competitions
The Dutch National Championships, scheduled for July, will serve as the benchmark meet for the 2026 season. For some athletes, these championships will also be a stepping stone towards a home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The European Championships in September will provide further high-level international competition. The selection policy allows for additional athletes to be named on May 10th, pending outcomes of international classifications in France and Germany. Aquatics GB Para-Swimming Head Coach Rob Aubry expressed optimism about the team's prospects, stating, "The Aquatics GB Championships have put us in a very strong position as we look ahead to the Dutch Nationals and the European Championships in 2026. We set tough selection standards within our selection policy, requiring athletes to deliver top-level international performances at the AGB Championships to be considered." He further commented on the quality of performances observed, noting, "What we saw across the championships was exactly that, performances of real quality, depth and intent."
Para Program Lead Adam Clarke added, "After last week's Aquatics GB Championships, where we saw a large number of British records and three stunning World records, we have a busy summer of racing to look forward to." He confirmed that with no World Championships this year, the athletes will focus on domestic and European meets, with the Dutch National Championships in Eindhoven in July being the key event. The selection panel will reconvene in May to consider any further additions to the squad. The selection policy is designed to identify athletes with a strong performance trajectory, aiming to maximize medal outcomes in future Paralympic Games and provide crucial international experience. The inclusion of multi-classification races in the Aquatics GB Championships underscores the commitment to developing talent across all para-swimming categories, ensuring a robust pipeline of athletes for major international events.