PERTH: The world championships in Doha will be without Australia’s top swimmers, including Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Kyle Chalmers, as they have chosen not to participate, as per the squad announcement on Friday.
Kaylee McKeown and Emma McKeon have opted out of the February event to direct their attention towards the Paris Olympics later this year.
The team, comprised of 18 members, showcases notable athletes such as current 50-meter freestyle world champion Cameron McEvoy and Shayna Jack, a key member in four world record-breaking relay teams.
This squad, although half the size of the previous one, secured an impressive 25 medals, including 13 golds, at the Fukuoka world championships earlier this year.
Elijah Winnington, the reigning 2022 world champion, is geared up to reclaim the top spot in the 400m freestyle, while the seasoned expertise of Jenna Forrester, Abbey Harkin, and Brianna Throssell further strengthens the team.
Among the selections are three rookies, notably backstroke specialists Iona Anderson and Jaclyn Barclay, who showcased remarkable performances at this year’s world junior swimming championships in Israel.
Australia’s roadmap to the Olympics includes the national championships on the Gold Coast in April and the Olympic swimming trials scheduled for June 10-15 in Brisbane.
The Australia squad comprises Iona Anderson, Jaclyn Barclay, Jack Cartwright, Abbey Connor, Isaac Cooper, Jenna Forrester, Madeleine Gough, Abbey Harkin, Shayna Jack, Moesha Johnson, Cameron McEvoy, Kiah Melverton, Alexandria Perkins, Kai Taylor, Brianna Throssell, Samuel Williamson, Elijah Winnington, and Bradley Woodward.
