A 12-strong contingent will take to the pool at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, with an updated swimming team announced today.

Following the allocation of two additional open athlete positions offered to Swimming Australia, Harvey Larke and Lillie McPherson have received call-ups to join the squad.

The squad was selected on the back of their performances at the Australian Age Swimming Championships in April, with each presented with an opportunity to emulate Commonwealth Youth Games alumni including Ariarne Titmus and Shayna Jack.

The dominant performer at the Age Championships, Mikayla Bird is selected after winning three gold medals and a silver, while Zoe Ammundsen also showcased her talents via two gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

In the boys’ competition, Samuel Higgs proved his capabilities as an all-arounder, taking gold in both the 200m and 400m individual medley, as well as a silver in the 200m butterfly.

Clancy Luscombe joined Higgs on the podium in the 400m individual medley and 200m butterfly, winning bronze in both events, as well as silver in the 200m backstroke.

Luscombe, selected on his first Australian team, said he was excited to be heading to the Commonwealth Youth Games.

“To have a chance to represent my country, Swimming Australia, Swimming South Australia, and my teammates is so exciting. I look forward to swimming against some of the world’s best athletes and the opportunities this creates. Bring on Trinidad and Tobago.”

Following their own strong performances, Hannah Allen, Jye Bennion, Braden Fyneman, Tommy Lane, Inez Miller and Poppy Stephen round out the team selection.

Gary Barclay, General Manager – Performance Pathways at Swimming Australia, said the Commonwealth Youth Games would not only provide the team with a valuable opportunity to swim against international opposition, but also deliver the athletes the unique experience of taking part in a significant multi-sport competition.

“The Commonwealth Youth Games is an exceptional way for our young athletes to gain crucial experience on the international stage,” Barclay said.

“The meet provides these athletes with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young athletes across the world, and it is great recognition of how they have performed in the pool to date.”

Swimming will see 35 medal events contested across the competition from 6-9 August at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva, Trinidad. As well as individual races, swimming will also feature relay events, including three mixed gender medleys.