Two swimmers and a coach from Manly and Warringah aquatic centres will represent Australia at the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, after phenomenal success at the Australian Age Championships held on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Swimmers Lillie McPherson and Luke Higgs, along with the Head Coach at Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre Justin Rothwell, have earned places on the 2026 Junior Dolphins Pan Pacific Team heading to Vancouver, Canada, in August.

Seventeen-year-old Lillie McPherson, who has trained at Manly’s aquatic centre since age 12, delivered a standout meet, claiming 3 gold, 2 silver and one bronze. Her gold medals were in the 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

 “It feels good to have all the hard work I’ve put into training pay off, and I am excited to gain international race experience. Training at Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre has helped a lot because it takes a well-rounded approach. Having multiple coaches on deck means sessions can be more tailored, so we can focus on our individual events while still training as a team.”, says Lillie. 

Head Coach, Justin Rothwell, who coaches Lillie was also selected as one of 6 coaches for Junior Dolphins Pan Pacific Team.

Eighteen-year-old Luke Higgs who has trained at Warringah Aquatic Centre since he was 11 claimed 2 gold medals (1500m freestyle and 400m Individual medley) and 2 silver medals.

“Making the Australian Junior Pan-Pacific Team means a lot to me. Not just being named on the team but recognising the dedication and hard work that all swimmers put into the process,” said Luke.

Manly Swimming Club had 28 swimmers and Warringah Swim Club had 32 swimmers competing at the Australian Open and Australian Age Championships, held in the Gold Coast in April.

Additional performance highlights included:

• Zavier Tay (Warringah) will represent Singapore at the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.
• Lexi Harrison (Manly) placed 6th in Australia in the 200m individual medley and 4th in the 400m individual medley.
• Sarah Locke (Manly) placed 7th in Australia in the 200m freestyle final.
• Callyn Fenwick- Kearns placed 5th in the men’s 50m backstroke final.

Congratulations to all the athletes who competed and best of luck to the team representing Australia in August.

To learn more about Manly’s squad program, visit our website.