This year’s Dolphins Paralympic team of 30 consists of a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, and it is poised to deliver outstanding performances.

The squad will be led by three-time gold medallist Brenden Hall, who will be racing at his fifth Paralympic Games and will be the flag bearer for the Australian Olympic team. Alongside Mr Hall will be Ahmed Kelly and Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson, who are both off to their fourth Paralympic Games.

Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson and Rachael Watson are also among the mainstays of the Australian Paralympic Swimming Team, which is each going to its third Paralympic Games in pursuit of gaining its third consecutive gold medal in its pet events, the 400m Freestyle S8 and 50m Freestyle S4.

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Rowan Crothers will also be looking to defend his title in 50m Freestyle S10, while Timothy Hodge is one to watch after he broke the World Record in the 200m Individual Medley SM9 at the recent trials.

At the other end of the scale, the team will also see the emergence of seven debutants, including youngsters Holly Warn, 15, and Callum Simpson, 17, who will compete in the 400m Freestyle S7 and 100m Freestyle S8, respectively.

Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said, “Australia has had huge success in Paralympic swimming, from the first Games in 1960 in Rome, where the late Daphne Hilton won the country’s very first gold medal in the sport.”

“Our Australian swimmers have won 453 medals, including 136 gold, 160 silver and 157 bronze since then. We also sit fifth on the all-time gold medal tally and third in total medals behind only Great Britain and the US.

“In Tokyo, our swimmers brought home 33 medals, including eight gold, setting the tone for the wider Australian Paralympic Team at the games. When our swimming team does well, Australia does well.

“We’ll have another strong team of swimmers representing us in Paris and I know they’ll be prepared and determined to give their absolute best as they go after their goals.”

The Australian Paralympic Swimming team will start competing at the Paralympic Games on August 29.

Australian Paralympic Swimming Team for Paris 2024