Australian Para Champs

Trials are back. The domestic meet that displays Australia’s best Para swimmers is just 3-weeks away, and our Funkettes are ready. Paralympians Katja Dedekind, Lakeisha Patterson, Isabella Vincent and Taylor Corry will headline many of the multi-class races in Adelaide from 9-12 April, as the swimmers gear up for Australian Team Selection.

The funkettes will be competing not only for one of 32 selection positions for the 2022 Madeira (Portugal) World Championships, but the trials will be the final chance for many athletes to post a nomination time to be considered for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Lakeisha “Lucky” Patterson and Katja Dedekind have, since Tokyo, been chosen by their peers to be the new athlete leaders amongst the Para Dolphins. Both girls are typically known for letting their swimming do the talking, and the trials is where they will be required to put some fast times down to first ensure team selection.

After a nice post-Tokyo break, Lucky has enjoyed getting back into the swing of things. “The Tokyo experience ignited my fire and love for swimming once again,” she said. The 100m and 400m Freestyle events continue to be her focus, and she appreciates the nerves that the trials can potentially bring. “Trials is always a nerve-wracking experience, but I also see it as a privilege and opportunity to inspire Australians living with a disability.”

Dedekind is now a multi-medalist at the Paralympic level, but has had a tough and interrupted run leading into 2022. For now the 50m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke are her flavour, but like many of our Para swimmers, may contest some other events. Keeping a level head and focusing on the now is what allows her to approach each step as it comes. “I don’t feel any of the pressure yet, as I don’t think about that sort of stuff until it’s in front of me.”

Izzy Vincent was a debutant that didn’t disappoint in Tokyo, winning two relay medals at her maiden Games. The 16-year-old is also a bit of an all-rounder, but has battled some shoulder issues since 2021. She cashed in on a timely “complete break” after Tokyo, and with this year rolling around quickly she’s keeping things well and truly realistic. “I went into Tokyo trials with no expectations. I’m sure this time will be different but I really just look forward to racing again.”

Taylor Corry is one of the Dolphin Para veterans, however she wasn’t selected for Tokyo which has fueled her fire for 2022. Like all athletes vying for team selection, Corry has the excited nerves for Adelaide. Qualifying for both the Worlds and Comm Games is her ambition, and at Trials she will swim the 50m and 100m Butterfly and 100m and 200m Freestyle events.

With the stage lights ready to be turned back on, we are excited to see who shines in the spotlight and makes their mark in 2022.