Stirling swimmers selected for Commonwealth Games 2018

Three more University of Stirling swimmers are celebrating following their selection for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia – taking the total number to nine.

Calum Bain and Jamie Graham will represent Northern Ireland at the Gold Coast Games in April, while Aimee Willmott will compete for England.

Calum Bain will represent Northern Ireland at April's Commonwealth Games.

The trio will join six other Stirling swimmers, who will travel Down Under as part of Team Scotland.

Third-year accountancy scholar Bain revealed the news on his Instagram page. He wrote: “Buzzing to finally announce that I will be representing Northern Ireland at this year’s Commonwealth Games. Massive thanks to all those who have supported me throughout the years.”

Jamie Graham will also be joining Bain and Northern Ireland on the Gold Coast.

Teammate Graham said: “Commie Games here we come, can’t wait to represent Northern Ireland in Australia.”

Willmott, set to compete in her third Games, said: “So excited to race on the Gold Coast in red and white.”

Reigning Commonwealth champion, Ross Murdoch, and double Olympic medallist, Duncan Scott, will represent Scotland, alongside European silver medallist and World finalist, Kathleen Dawson, and former World Junior Champion, Craig Benson.

Aimee Willmott will be on the Team England flight to Australia.

The more experienced campaigners will be joined in Australia by Team Scotland’s most successful Youth Games athlete in history, Scott McLay, who has recently joined the Stirling programme, as well as 2015 Youth Games silver medallist, Craig McLean. The team will also be supported by the University’s Head Performance Swim Coach, Steve Tigg, who will be part of the coaching staff.

David Bond, the University of Stirling’s Head of Performance Sport, said: “We are delighted that Calum Bain, Jamie Graham and Aimee Willmott have been chosen to represent their countries at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“As with the six athletes who have been called up to Team Scotland, their selection is a reflection on the hard work and dedication they exhibit on a day-to-day basis, and is testament to the high-quality coaching provided by Steve and his team.

“I know all of our athletes are extremely excited about the opportunity to represent their countries, and the University of Stirling, at the far side of the world. We wish them all the best and hope they will return with some medals.”

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in Australia between 4 and 15 April 2018.