Australia is set to field a strong para swimming team at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, despite the absence of several high-profile athletes. The para swimming competition will take place over six days at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in late July.

Due to limitations on the number of events in the para swimming program—only 14 races in total—there are restrictions on squad size. Australia has selected 18 swimmers to represent the country, including established competitors such as Tim Hodge, Col Pearse, and Lakeisha Patterson, alongside seven debutants.

Mel Tantrum, Swimming Australia’s Paralympic head coach, described the squad as a blend of youthful energy and experienced talent. “It’s a super-exciting young team, a mix of youth and some really experienced campaigners as well,” Tantrum said. He emphasized the team's medal aspirations, expressing confidence that Australia could achieve podium sweeps in several events. “The aim is for all our athletes to be competitive and challenge for medals. We’ve got a very competitive team that’s going to have opportunities in the events we have representatives in.”

Several well-known swimmers, including Alexa Leary, Grant “Scooter” Patterson, Ahmed Kelly, Ben Hance, Callum Simpson, and Rowan Crothers, were not selected due to the limited event program. Nevertheless, Australia’s Dolphins squad remains a powerful contingent.

The final team will be confirmed following the conclusion of national trials scheduled for June 8 to 13 in Sydney. The trials will also determine the able-bodied swimmers who will be added to the overall Australian swimming squad for the Games.