Peaty, Proud, O’Connor, & Guy Headline England’s Commonwealth Roster

On the heels of Scotland’s announcement of its 21-strong swimming roster for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Team England has now revealed who will be representing the nation in the Gold Coast next summer. A total of 15 English swimmers have been selected by Swim England after the first phase of qualification, led by world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Adam Peaty.

Of his being named to the roster, Peaty stated, “It’s great to be selected, representing Team England is always going to be something close to my heart.

“It all kicked off for me four years ago [Glasgow 2014] so going back there to defend my titles and get the 50m breaststroke this time, it’s going to be pretty special.”

Joining the breaststroking ace will be 2015 World Champion and Olympic silver medalist James Guy, Olympic silver medalist Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and 2017 World Champion Ben Proud. O’Connor in particular had a monster 2014 Commonwealth Games, where the Bath National Centre athlete collected a total of 6 medals, including gold in the 200m IM.

Newcomers include Freya Anderson of Ellesmere College Titans and Emily Large of Newcastle swim team. Both women won gold medals at this year’s World Junior Championships, with Anderson winning the 100m freestyle and Large capturing the 200m butterfly World Junior title. Anderson was also a relay swimmer and 100m freestyle semi-finalist at the Senior World Championships in Budapest.

Reviewing the roster, Swimming Team Leader Grant Robins said, “This is an exciting team that has been selected for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. We have a wealth of experience from athletes that know what it takes to win.

“We also have a number of new athletes that will be taking the step up and experiencing a multi-sport event for the first time.

“I know the team will work hard in their home programmes to be the best they can be when they step on the plane to the Gold Coast.”

These fifteen athletes are being announced by Team England following the first phase of selections by Swim England. The remaining athletes will be selected following qualification at the Swim England National Winter Championships 2017 in December.

Team England swimmers selected for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games:

Adam Peaty (Loughborough NC)
James Guy (Bath NC)
Ben Proud (Plymouth Leander)
Siobhan-Marie O’Connor (Bath NC)
Molly Renshaw (Loughborough NC)
Eleanor Faulkner (City of Sheffield)
Andrew Willis (Bath NC)
Max Litchfield (City of Sheffield)
Lizzie Simmonds (Edinburgh University)
Freya Anderson (Ellesmere College Titans)
Sarah Vasey (Loughborough NC)
Luke Greenbank (Loughborough NC)
Jocelyn Ulyett (Loughborough University)
Holly Hibbott (Stockport Metro)
Emily Large (Newcastle Swim Team)

In This Story

14
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

14 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Murica
6 years ago

Is Peaty ready to attempt the 200 on the international level???

Jonny_B
Reply to  Murica
6 years ago

We will see…

Daddy
Reply to  Jonny_B
6 years ago

Brits will want to have a good commies but euro’s more important

Marley09
6 years ago

This certainly answers the question of whether England will be sending their “A” team to CWGs.

Dee
Reply to  Marley09
6 years ago

Yep, as anticipated; It makes sense, as our swimmers are used to a double April/August taper. No excuse to prioritise one event really.

Excited to see the December additions.

commonwombat
Reply to  Dee
6 years ago

Yes, but whilst they’d LIKE to win/do well in April; isn’t it realistic to think that they’d trade off any CG medals in order to be at their peak in August at Euros.

Secondly, will the best ENG swimmers NEED to be at their peak to win at CG ?
– Peaty – not really, VDB fading, mens BRS events most likely more akin to GBR Nats
– SMOC – with no Pickrem present, no
– Guy. Only real 200fr competition is domestic (Scott) unless some AUS sprouts wings. Schooling unlikely participant (NCAA) so prohibitive favourite 100fly
– Litchfield a class above anyone else in M IMs
– womens BRS will be competitive events… Read more »

CQcumber
Reply to  commonwombat
6 years ago

You must have forgotten Chad le Clos.

commonwombat
Reply to  CQcumber
6 years ago

Yes & no. LeClos I already had factored in as being present and he would be a very clear favourite in 200fly. He certainly has to be respected at 100fly but on his 2017 outings; Guy has his measure. IF Guy chooses to pursue 200fly, then LeClos does then have some competition. IF LeClos decides to have a run at 200fr, then he does potentially make a 3 horse race of what, on 2017 form, looks a Guy v Scott show.

Iain
Reply to  commonwombat
6 years ago

British swimmers have almost always prioritised Commies over Euros, for whatever reason.

commonwombat
Reply to  Iain
6 years ago

Well, next year they are at home in front of their own home crowd so might I suggest that may make a difference ? CAN, by not holding Trials and not selecting those with NCAA commitments, have shown their hand ….. a strong but sub-optimal line-up.

In all honesty, when it comes to the Brits, it will most likely come down to the individuals themselves as to what priority they place on CG. The reality is that AUS can no longer be looked on as “the big fish” and if anything the “balance of power” has shifted or is in the process of shifting towards the Brits themselves and the Canadian women.

Jonny_B
Reply to  commonwombat
6 years ago

agree but not convinced scotland will have girls relays. they only taking 6 females in total

Caeleb Dressel WILL get 7 golds in Tokyo
6 years ago

Amazing how the English now have multiple potential medalists for Tokyo

Thomas
6 years ago

A minor correction, but Anderson swam the individual 100 free in Budapest. She made the semis, swam 53- high and placed 12th or so.

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

Read More »