Seven VIS athletes have been named in the Australian Swimming team for the Commonwealth Games, including our Olympic Gold Medallist, 400m freestyler Mack Horton.
Having won Gold in Rio at the age of 20, Horton went into the 2018 Australian Swimming Championships & Commonwealth Games Trials on the Gold Coast as favourite in the 400m Freestyle event.
Horton did not disappoint winning the final in a time of 3 minutes 45.41 seconds, securing his spot on the Australian Swimming team.
Although swimming outside his PB time by 4 seconds, Horton ensures that the speed will come by the Gold Coast Games.
"I will just fine tune that and work on easier speed which should come in the next five weeks." Horton said.
Joining Horton will be dual Commonwealth Games representative, Joshua Beaver.
VIS swimmer, Jessica Hansen, is set for her Commonwealth Games debut after placing 2nd in the Women’s 50m Breastroke and 3rd in the 100m Breastroke.
Four VIS para swimmers have also been selected including Emily Beecroft, Ashleigh McConnell, Matthew Haanappel and Madeline Scott.
Australian Head Coach, Jacco Verhaeren, said he was very pleased with the athletes selected in the team.
“I think we’ve got, almost without exception I’d say, the best people in their best events,” said Verhaeren.
“I think that’s important because if you want to defend titles and want to make the most out of the medal prospects in five weeks’ time you need your best people there.
Swimming will begin on 5 April at Gold Coast 2018.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
