Queensland swim stars celebrate Paris Olympic selection

Queensland’s swimming stars have taken to social media with heartwarming posts as they celebrate their selection for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Queensland’s swimming stars are lighting up social media with heartwarming posts as they celebrate their selection for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Following the first day of the Australian Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Monday, some of Queensland’s finest have already secured their spots on the team.

Ariarne Titmus, 23, shared her excitement on Tuesday after qualifying for the 400m freestyle. “Nothing’s ever a sure thing, so I’m over the moon to have booked my ticket to my second Olympics in Paris last night,” Titmus wrote, accompanying a post-race photo.

Ariarne Titmus has shared with her fans on Instagram that she is headed to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: Instagram.

She also congratulated fellow Queensland swimmer Lani Pallister, 22.

“Making the Olympic team for the first time is a feeling like no other, so happy for you @lanipallister. We’ve got this,” Titmus wrote.

Pallister, the goddaughter of Dawn Fraser and daughter of swimmer Janelle Elford and triathlete Rick Pallister, celebrated her qualification with a series of photos, including one with Titmus and a childhood picture of herself in an Australian green and gold shirt.

“A childhood dream come true to go to the Olympics,” she wrote.

Pallister, a dual world record holder in short course freestyle, struggled to hold back tears after securing her spot.

Lani Pallister and Ariarne Titmus. Photo: Instagram.

Pallister is the daughter of 1988 Olympian and 1990 Commonwealth Games champion Janelle Elford, and is the goddaughter of Olympic legend Dawn Fraser

Emma McKeon, Australia’s most decorated Olympian, also shared her joy in French, posting, “Je vais à Paris,” which translates to “I’m going to Paris.”

“Thank you for all the support”.

McKeon, who qualified for her third Olympic team with a victory in the 100m butterfly, made history by becoming the oldest athlete to qualify for Australia’s Olympic swim team in 32 years.

Emma McKeon thanks her fans on Instagram for their support. Photo: Instagram.

McKeon’s boyfriend, singer-turned-swimmer Cody Simpson, hopes to join her in Paris but will find out his fate later this week.

Reflecting on his journey, Simpson posted on Instagram about his excitement and dedication to the sport.

“As I approach the Australian Olympic Trials this week I find myself reflecting on what a cracking last 4 years I’ve had pursuing my dreams and desires in this sport,” he wrote.

Seems like yesterday it was 2020, getting back in the water raw and wildly unfit having not swum or competed since I was a little boy.”

“I’ve given everything I have morning and night in training to see what I can get out of myself; burnt every boat I could burn in the pursuit.

“Along with all the dreams achieved in swimming for Australia. I’ve laid it all out there in these final 6 months and I’m very, very excited to race this week and just see what I can do.”

The official Olympic team announcement is scheduled for Saturday at 9.04pm, with Queensland eagerly awaiting the final roster.

Originally published as Queensland swim stars celebrate Paris Olympic selection