Fairweather, Deans in Games squad

The 2024 world champion Erika Fairweather will be part of a 13-strong team. PHOTOS: ALLIED MEDIA
The 2024 world champion Erika Fairweather will be part of a 13-strong team. PHOTOS: ALLIED MEDIA
Two Dunedin-born swimmers have been named in a strong New Zealand team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Former local athlete Erika Fairweather and Neptune Swim Club member Caitlin Deans will join the 13-strong national group travelling to Scotland.

The selections were announced on Monday, following impressive performances at the New Zealand Swimming Championships in Auckland last month, including Fairweather breaking her own national 200m freestyle record.

World champion Fairweather faces a busy schedule, taking on four individual races alongside relay duties.

In a statement, Fairweather said Glasgow was going to be an amazing experience and she was looking forward to the competition.

"I’m really excited to have the opportunity to compete for my first Commonwealth Games medal."

Dunedin's Caitlin Deans is off to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as part of the New Zealand...
Dunedin's Caitlin Deans is off to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as part of the New Zealand squad.
Born in Dunedin in 2003, Fairweather will swim the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle distances.

She will be joined in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay by Deans, who also lines up for the 400m and 800m events.

Deans trains under coach Lars Humer and previously represented New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The wider roster features several other standout competitors including Lewis Clareburt and Para swimmer Josh Willmer.

Swimming New Zealand head coach Graham Hill said the athletes were preparing well for the trip.

"The depth in this squad, across relays, individual events and Para swimming, gives us real reason for confidence. We’re going to be very competitive and every athlete on this team is capable of outstanding performances," Hill said.

"The Commonwealth Games is a pinnacle campaign for us and, crucially, it also gives us a great opportunity to compete and test ourselves at an elite event just two years out from the Olympic Games." — Allied Media