Ben Popham earns selection for first Paralympic Games

Para swimmer Ben Popham has been selected for his first Paralympic Games after breaking national record at selection Trials.

After bursting on the international scene at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships by winning three medals, the 20-year-old announced his status as a name to watch ahead of Tokyo.

The Trials were the first major competition for Popham in nearly two years and a chance to confirm his status as a rising star of the sport. An Australian Record in the 100m sealed his spot for Tokyo, where he will compete in the 100m and 4x100m relay.

Australian Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin welcomed the swimmers to the team.

“What we know from previous Games is that swimming often sets the barometer for other sports in which we compete,” McLoughlin said.

“In Rio, our 36 swimmers brought home 29 medals, including nine gold, an inspiring outcome that formed the foundation of Australia’s top-five finish at the Games.

“This particular group has faced a lot of adversity in the past year or so. Yet, through their resilience and desire, and with exemplary support from Swimming Australia, they will head to Japan as ready as they could possibly be to compete at their best.”