Image credit: Swimming Australia and Delly Carr
By Renae Jones
At just 17 years old, para swimmer Declan Budd is already a world record holder, a rising international talent, and now, Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month for July.
“I’m extremely honoured,” Budd said of the recognition. “Especially when you see the names of the athletes that have previously received this award and where they are now. It’s a bit exciting really.”
Earning the recognition following his breakthrough selection to the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, Budd will debut as the youngest male and only rookie on the team.
With this, he is also the sole new addition to the Australian Dolphins Team, earning his coveted gold cap and Dolphin number #P329.
“When I turned around and saw the time on the board, knowing I had qualified was such a mix of emotions – excitement, relief and almost disbelief that I had actually done it,” Budd reflected.
“To be accepted into such a special and unique club is just amazing.”
“I’m most looking forward to being part of a team with great culture, teammates and support people, and also representing our wonderful country.”
This comes off the back of a successful 2024 season where Budd broke a world record in the men’s S14 50m butterfly with a blistering time of 25.7sec at the 2024 Short Course Championships, while also claiming three national titles at the 2024 Australian Age Championships.
He was also the youngest male swimmer to compete at the 2024 Para Swimming European Open Championships.
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Originally eyeing off the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, his rapid improvement sees him looking towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
“Every little PB (personal best) and every meet has been a small goal on my journey.”
Like many Australians, the Knox Pymble (NSW) swimmer first learned to swim as a life skill – but it soon became much more.
“My parents believe everyone should know how to swim,” Budd said.
“I also wanted to surf, and the rule in our house is if you want to surf, you have to swim.”
Now competing in the S14 classification, Budd, who has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, says his disability has shaped him for the better, both in and out of the pool.
“Like most people with a disability, I’ve learned to focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t,” he explained.
“Having an intellectual disability means I usually have to work a bit harder and repeat things more to get them right, but that’s made me more patient and determined.”
“Swimming gives me confidence, great friendships and – best of all – acceptance.”
Outside of the pool, Budd is working towards finishing his HSC and volunteers at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club – a third-generation family tradition.
Budd is quick to thank those who’ve supported him on his journey so far, including his lifelong coach Rafael Rodrigues and the team at Pymble Swimming. He also acknowledges his family, squad mates, and the sporting organisations that have helped shape his path.
“I wouldn’t be there without them,” he said.
As for what drives him, Budd keeps it simple.
“Trust the process and the team around you. Swimming is a patient person’s sport.”
With world-class talent and a grounded perspective, Declan Budd’s journey is only just beginning, but already proving extraordinary.
The Commonwealth Games serves as a platform for developing the future stars of Australian sport and the Emerging Athlete of the Year forms part of a refreshed Awards and Honours program developed by the CGA Heritage and Awards Committee.
The CGA Emerging Athlete of the Year Award celebrates the next generation of Australian sport stars and those that may make an impact for Australia at major sport events in the future.
Over the course of 2025, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Emerging Athlete of the Month and will receive a $500 contribution towards their training and competition expenses.
Three finalists from the monthly winners will then split a $7000 cash prize, with the winner receiving $5000 and the two runners-up $1000 respectively.
